The holiday season sparkles with potential with twinkling lights, the aroma of cinnamon and pine, and the cherished melodies of Christmas carols. Yet for many adults, this time of year feels more like a marathon of obligations than a season of wonder, and the childlike faith that once made Christmas feel sacred and joy-filled can quietly fade. Gift lists grow longer, schedules fill to the brim, and the joy we once felt as children can seem distant, buried under stress and fatigue.
As a child, I remember the magic of Christmas: the awe of gazing at a brightly lit tree, the thrill of unwrapping a gift, and the unshakable belief that something miraculous was unfolding. Jesus spoke of the importance of childlike faith when He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, NIV).
What if the secret to rediscovering joy this holiday season lies in returning to that childlike faith?
This season also offers another way, an opportunity to slow down, savor the beauty of Christmas, and refocus on the ultimate hope found in the birth of our Savior.
The Drift Away from Joy
Adulthood brings responsibilities that often crowd out our ability to experience wonder. The demands of work, family, and finances intensify during the holidays, when nothing else on our calendar is put on pause. Instead of finding joy, we may find ourselves caught in comparison, striving to create a “perfect” holiday experience, or simply overwhelmed by the weight of our extended to-do lists.
When was the last time you truly stopped to enjoy the season? Not as a taskmaster checking off boxes but as someone eager to receive the gift of joy? The good news is that we can reclaim that sense of wonder. It begins by recognizing the distractions that pull us away and refocusing our hearts on what matters most.
Reclaiming Joy Through Childlike Faith
Childlike faith isn’t about being naive; it’s about trusting completely, expecting joyfully, and receiving with an open heart. Children approach the world with wide-eyed wonder, eager to experience its beauty. They trust that their needs will be met, and they delight in the small, ordinary moments.
3 Ways to Nurture Childlike Faith at Christmas
Here are three ways we can nurture childlike faith this holiday season:
- Rediscover Awe in the Christmas Story. Take a moment to reread Luke 2 or Matthew 1–2, imagining the story through the eyes of a child. Picture the angel’s proclamation, the shepherds rushing to see the newborn King, and the magi bowing in reverence before Jesus.
Ask yourself: How does this story still stir my heart? When we approach the nativity with fresh eyes, we uncover the depths of God’s love and His plan for our redemption.
- Practice Expectancy, Not Perfection. Children don’t expect perfection; they expect joy. This season, release the pressure to orchestrate flawless events or give the “perfect” gift. Instead, cultivate an attitude of expectancy by looking for moments of God’s grace and glimpses of His presence.
Pause and pray each morning: Lord, help me see this day through Your eyes. Show me where You’re working and teach me to find joy in the simple things.
- Celebrate the Small Wonders. Children find magic in the tiniest details. A snowflake on a window, a flickering candle, or the crackle of wrapping paper. This Christmas, slow down and savor those small moments. Sip your cocoa by the fire, admire the ornaments on the tree, or take a moonlit walk.
When we allow ourselves to be fully present, we create space for joy to bloom.
Refocusing on the Hope of Christ
The heart of Christmas is Christ; God’s greatest gift to a weary world. Amid the festivities, it’s easy to lose sight of this profound truth: God stepped into humanity to bring us hope, peace, and salvation.
Childlike faith reminds us to focus on the simplicity of that gift. The greatest joy we’ll ever experience comes from knowing and embracing the love of Jesus.
3 Ways to Refocus on the Hope of Christ
Here are practical ways to keep Christ at the center of your celebrations:
- Start Each Day in Prayer. Dedicate a few quiet moments each morning to thank God for sending His Son. Invite Him to guide your heart throughout the day, to highlight the simple joys He has sprinkled throughout your day specifically for you to enjoy.
- Read an Advent Devotional. Advent devotionals are a beautiful way to journey through the season with intentionality. They help us reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings.
- Serve with Love. Share Christ’s love by serving others. Whether it’s volunteering at your child or grandchild’s Christmas party, baking cookies for a neighbor, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend, these acts of kindness reflect the heart of Jesus.
A Season to Savor and Embrace Childlike Faith
This year, make the choice to embrace childlike faith. Slow down. Marvel at the beauty around you. Trust in God’s goodness. Reclaiming joy doesn’t mean everything will be perfect. It means choosing to see the season through the lens of Christ’s love and the promise of His presence.
As we approach Christmas, I encourage you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the wonder you once knew. Take time to delight in the small blessings, cherish the gift of loved ones, and remember that the ultimate source of joy is Emmanuel—God with us.
May this holiday season be one of renewed faith, deep joy, and abiding hope as you reclaim the wonder of Christmas. I would love to hear in the comments below how you reclaim the joy of the season.
Reflection Questions for Reclaiming Joy:
- What memories of Christmas as a child bring you the most joy?
- How can you simplify your schedule this season to focus more on Christ?
- What is one small way you can celebrate the wonder of God’s love this week?
A Prayer to Slow Down and See the World through the Lens of Childlike Faith
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son and the joy that His birth brings. Help us to slow down this season and see the world through the lens of childlike faith. Teach us to trust You fully, to savor the small moments, and to find our greatest joy in Your presence. Amen.
Joy Prevails,
Dr. Michelle
The joy of Christmas was never meant to be manufactured. Childlike faith reminds us how to slow down, notice wonder, and receive God’s gift with open hearts. Share on X Reclaiming joy this Christmas does not start with doing more. It begins with childlike faith, trusting God, savoring small moments, and remembering why Christ came. Share on X
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Having childlike faith is a beautiful way to live.