At the time of this writing, my family of seven plus two mutts are in an Airbnb in our own town. Two weeks ago, a small leak in our bathroom turned into the space being gutted from water damage. We were assigned project managers, contractors, and an adjuster to boot. In insurance terms, we’re “displaced” and living away from home.

As soon as we realized the massive scope of demo and reconstruction, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work choosing flooring, paint, and a new cabinet. I was online and, on the phone, to move the process along, expecting that our rebuilt bathroom would surely be finished in a matter of days. Reality has been quite different from those accelerated plans.

There is a whole litany of inconveniences to our situation, from how tediously the process has dragged on to running back and forth from home to lodging because one of us forgot something. But at the end of the day, we’re all under the same roof, having dinner and praying before bed as usual. It has taken me weeks to realize for the thousandth time that God’s ways are above mine, and how He fulfills our needs is in line with His flawless plan. When I tell you nothing else matters, I mean that although the challenges and frustrations don’t disappear, they certainly shrink when considering this fact. The Lord has allowed it, so I’m confident every detail of our circumstance is for our benefit. My only task is to receive and respond, not control the outcome.

Focusing on the outcome is a popular trend in December, when wishes and plans run sky high. Whether we’re a little more tightly wound this month or we go with the flow, we will most certainly receive the peace of Christ if we fix our time and attention on Jesus. Remember that for the greatest Christmas in history, the dirty manger and messy stable were sufficient because they were outside the point. The point was that God entered humanity beyond giving us His image and likeness, in becoming one of us quietly and vulnerably. What made the day marvelous was not only the miraculous presence of the newborn Christ, but His parents’ steady gaze upon Him. There was no great feast with family recipes, no picture-perfect decor. There was Jesus. Nothing else mattered.

Take the time to receive this Advent and entrust the preparation of our hearts to the One who aches to be born within them. What does this look like practically? Recognize that Jesus is closer to you than your own soul and include Him in your work.

Pray for family and friends while you’re wrapping gifts for them.

Pray the Joyful Mysteries for yourself and your family’s holiness.

Light candles in the evening.

Be renewed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation so you can see the Lord more clearly and imitate Him.

Turn on Christmas hymns while you cook or bake.

Read stories of the Old Testament to better understand the long anticipation for the Savior.

Stay home. Spread favorite recipes and traditions out across the whole Christmas season rather than packing them in on one day.

Resist the hustle and bustle for the sake of calm and mild. The outcome of our work and intentions belongs to Christ. In at least your life, let December be known as a time of quiet concentration on Jesus. If our work feels incomplete or our efforts are full of interruptions, remember that Christ’s surroundings at birth were made wonderful because He was there. He comes hoping to find in each one of us a willing heart. Let Him reorder your priorities, steady your gaze, and teach you to rest in the truth that Emmanuel comes with peace. May this Advent be a gentle schooling in trust, and may Christmas find you not exhausted by striving but strengthened by His nearness. ✣

Katie Sciba is a national speaker and Catholic Press Award-winning columnist. She and her husband Andrew were married in 2008, and are blessed with seven children.

This article appeared in the December 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.