Embracing the Aftermath: The Significance of December 26 for Church Staff
Welcome to the day after Christmas, the 26th of December, a date that often brings a contrast of leftover cookies, half-packed decorations, and feelings of exhaustion after the festivities and enormous spiritual demands associated with Christmas. Today on the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, we delve into why this seemingly mundane day is of tremendous importance for those in leadership within the church.
Navigating the "Aunt Ellen and Uncle Norris Left" Feeling
Once the Christmas buzz has faded, we might feel that everything we looked forward to is now gone, leaving an emptiness similar to when beloved visitors leave. However, this day carries more significance than we imagine. Besides having spiritual importance, Christmas is also emotionally demanding, particularly for church staff. The leadership fatigue you experience is a natural reaction to the weeks of planning, increased expectations, and the silent pressure of making Christmas feel meaningful for everyone else. So, when it’s over, your body and brain process this transition, leading to a physiological crash.
Holding Off on Major Decisions
A pivotal note to church staff is that December 26th is not the day to examine your calling, quit your job, or decide if your church is heading in the wrong direction. The emotional turmoil of today is real, but it does not define your ministry. Instead, allow for a quiet period of reflection and avoid drawing big conclusions.
Using December 26 as a Reset
Rather than completely overhauling your responsibilities, use today as a reset instead of a fresh start. A fitting question for this day could be:
- What do I need to stop carrying into next week?
It could be unrealistic expectations, unspoken resentments, or the constant pressure to be on all the time. Allow today to be a release valve, not a launching pad. The church year is more of a marathon than a firework; Christmas isn’t the finish line but another checkpoint.
Reflective Leadership on December 26
True, reflective leadership on December 26th means choosing rest over guilt, reflection over reaction, and perspective over pressure. Such choices are not weakness; they represent maturity and signify a necessary reset.
What's the hardest part about December 26th for you? Let's talk, share, and grow together. To dive deeper into the significance of this day for those in church leadership, tune into today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. We are here for you every weekday till New Year's and beyond. Happy holidays and take this moment to refresh and reset.
