This Christmas at Sanctuary, we’ve been reflecting on the theme of ‘Journeying Together.’ Our central image has been the Magi, who journeyed together to the place where Jesus was born. They traveled in the darkness, following the light of the star, over unknown terrain, carrying gifts for the newborn king.
For the past number of years, the Sanctuary team has compiled a Christmas blog post to share with you during this season. This year, we’ve gathered some of our Sanctuary resources in one place, gifts if you will, for your journey—however smooth or challenging it’s been. We invite you to engage with what feels supportive and meets you where you are. If someone comes to mind who might appreciate these resources, you’re welcome to pass them along.
It’s our prayer that you would feel God’s presence near you and that you would be nourished and supported along your journey, particularly during this Christmas season.
A Place to Be Still
A Calm Place – Meditation by Hillary McBride
Find a calm place physically, mentally, and emotionally with this guided meditation.
You Are a Gift – Meditation by Kate Dewhurst
This meditation invites you to enter the biblical story in Matthew chapter two alongside the Magi as they journey together to the place where Jesus was born.
If Reflection Feels Helpful
The Emotion Wheel offers language for noticing and naming how we feel. Identifying one or two emotions that resonate today can gently deepen self-awareness. You might also notice how these emotions show up in your body or reflect on what may be shaping them. There’s no need for clear answers—simply naming an emotion can be a meaningful first step.
And if you’d like to engage the little ones in your life, here is a feelings wheel designed to help children begin to notice and name their emotions. Offering children permission to name and express their emotions can help them feel less afraid of their feelings. Even hard feelings can be shared, and often we feel a little better after someone listens to us with kindness.
An encouraging reflective exercise from our 2023 Hope of Christmas campaign. Complete with a template, the guide aims to help you discover the unexpected gifts in your life, whether you’re flourishing or languishing.
Something to Listen To
“Always With Me (Song for Anxiety)” – Sanctuary Artist Orlando Palmer (IAMSON) – shared with permission.
This is an earlier rendition of the song which eventually became part of Sanctuary Songs. It’s a gentle reminder that from our first to our final breath, we are never truly alone. Emmanuel—God with us—is always present.
A Way to Ease the Body
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise
Originally developed for The Sanctuary Youth Series (ages eleven to fifteen), this exercise offers a body-based practice that involves gently tensing and releasing different muscle groups to help the body settle. Practiced regularly or in moments of stress, it can support a sense of calm, ease physical tension, and encourage rest and sleep.
Words You Might Pray
A Prayer for God’s Help in Establishing Rhythms of Self-care – by Lizzy Ojo Martens
Breath prayers for orienting ourselves towards God’s care for us and caring better for ourselves.
For Journeying with Others
Belonging and Mental Health – A five-day Sanctuary devotional on belonging, mental health, and the life of faith
As we journey together, questions of belonging often surface—especially in relation to our faith communities. What does it mean to feel at home with others, and how can we walk alongside those who have been marginalized? In this devotional, authors Swinton, Smith, Browning, Ewing, and Hamley reflect on how mental health shapes our shared life of faith, illuminating what Scripture has to say about home and belonging.
Posts from previous years
To find more ideas for self-care and hear from the Sanctuary team on their rhythms and practices during the holiday season, check out previous posts: These are a Few of Our Favourite Things, Christmas Self-Care Ideas, Sensing the Season, Cultivating Hope, Reflections on Peace and Presence
Cover photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash