This quote by Augustine has grown quite famous among Christians, and I think it's because it resonates deeply with us. He said,
Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you [O Lord].
Everything that is not Christ will make us restless. If we're seeking rest in physical sleep or the absence of activity or "me-time," or anything that is not Christ, we will be restless. When we surrender to Him, though, He will give us rest. He promises.
Matthew 11:28:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Another quote, this by Charles Wesley, was penned as words to a song, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
"Rest in Thee." Yes, that is where it's all supposed to go. In his article, Finding Rest in the Merry-Thon, David Schrock wrote,
What if we spent less time doing Christmas and more time delighting in Christ? What if instead of gearing up for the marathon, we put away our running shoes and took time to rest in the boots of gospel peace? You won't need a gift receipt for that purchase.
Christmas is busy, yes. But busyness doesn't need to define our rest. Delight in Christ. Cast your cares upon Him. Read His Word. Pray. Love. Sing. Take time to simply contemplate the Incarnation and rejoice in the beautiful sacrifice. Christmas is for rest, whether it was first in a rowdy stable with two teenagers and a newborn, or now, with family, friends, turkey and shining trees. "Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you."