12 Days of Christmas: Day Seven

Christmas is packed full of distractions. From flashing lights on the outsides of homes to Instagram reels from friends and the hundreds of different traditions families celebrate, it’s easy for our minds to whirl in all directions.

All of these distractions steal the moments God has given us (Psalm 46:10). As Carine wrote in yesterday’s blog post, distractions can produce discontentment. We start wishing we were anywhere but here.

When our attention is constantly pulled elsewhere, we miss the quiet gifts of the present moment. We overlook the conversations happening right in front of us, the ordinary faithfulness of our daily routines, and the ways God is already at work here and now.

We are invited to slow down—to refuse the urge to rush ahead or compare our experience with someone else’s (Philippians 4:11). Instead of chasing an idealized version of Christmas, we are called to be fully present, trusting that God meets us in the stillness of our hearts (Psalm 46:10).

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)

Rather than mentally scrambling over what needs to be done tomorrow, pause for today. Tomorrow is God’s; today is ours to live. Look around and notice what God has placed before you in this moment.

Be present where you are right now. Maybe you’re reading this in a car, in your bed, at the table, or at a desk. Lift your eyes and notice three things you’re grateful for in this moment. Perhaps it’s the siblings in the back seat or the cardinal perched on the tree outside your window.

Instead of being swallowed up by the distractions of the season, set them aside and be reminded of why you were created. You were created to glorify God—not just with your whole life, but with each ordinary day (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Today, look for ways to glorify Him.

Ask your mom how you can help her. Then do it with her, using the opportunity to share a meaningful conversation. Rather than focusing inward on your own to-do list, turn your attention outward and look for ways to serve those around you (Galatians 5:13).

Even small acts matter. A smile, a kind word, or simply listening can honor God just as much as the big gestures (Colossians 3:17). When we intentionally choose presence and service over distraction, we start to see the ordinary moments of life as sacred. Being present means noticing what God has placed before you right now, and responding with gratitude and love.

Christmas isn’t just about the presents, the lights, or even the perfect traditions. It’s about God entering into our ordinary days, inviting us to meet Him here. He doesn’t wait for a perfect setting or a perfect moment—He meets us in the midst of our everyday routines, in the laughter, the mess, and even the quiet pauses.

So today, take a deep breath. Slow down. Let go of the mental checklist. Notice the people around you, the world God has given you, and the small ways you can reflect His love. When your focus shifts from what you want to what God wants for you, the distractions lose their grip, and joy takes root in the present moment.

I challenge you to pause three times— notice God at work around you, find one way to serve someone, and express gratitude for something ordinary. Let these small steps anchor you in the present.

Be fully present, and watch God turn ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for His glory.

Thank you so much for joining us on Day Six of the 12 Days of Christmas: Godly Girl Version! Make sure to check out Emily's video on Instagram and we hope to see you tomorrow! And again, if you have a prayer request, please let us know!