And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39, KJV

Breathe in, breathe out. In the rush between overlapping meetings, I found myself consciously slowing my breath—a brief moment of calm amidst the chaos. There I was again…despite my meticulous preparation, planning, and scheduling, December always brings a wave of special events, activities, and disruptions that leave me feeling frazzled, hurried, and less patient with myself and others. But when I reflect on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39, I’m reminded to seek moments of peace amidst the holiday whirlwind. 

I know this can be hard to do, so here are three ways that have helped me find calm during the Christmas season:

Don’t Be Afraid of the Waves: Embrace the additional commitments, requests, and expectations at school as opportunities to share God’s love with others. Rather than fearing the waves of activity, see them as a chance to extend kindness, joy, and the true spirit of the season.

Let Faith Rise Up: Amidst the hustle, don’t lose sight of the season’s true meaning. Take time to immerse yourself in music, meaningful Bible verses, and moments of worship. Replenishing your faith will empower you to face the storms with grace and perspective.

Set Your Feet Upon the Sea: Trust that God will provide you with the strength needed to finish the month with resilience and joy at school and home when you keep your eyes fixed on Him.

As you dance in the deep waters of December, remember that He is with you, encouraging you, and offering peace. May your light shine brightly on your students and throughout your school, creating a ripple of calm and grace during this festive season.

If you are struggling to find peace today or this Christmas season, I encourage you to listen to “Peace Be Still” by The Belonging Co ft. Lauren Daigle—it has encouraged me through some challenging times! What are some other ways we can grow in our faith during the busy holiday season? Please share them in the comments section below—I would love to hear from you!