In just two days, we’ll live through the shortest day of the year. And I will hate every second of it.

Okay, that’s a little dramatic. But all this winter cold and darkness makes me long for 9 pm sunsets, ice cream, boardwalks, and the sea’s salty air.

Winter feels like slowness. Like a forced kindergarten nap. Like the agony of waiting.

Turning Dark Days into Hopeful Nights

Do you suffer from the same winter sadness? If yes, you understand how hard winter can be.

But winter can also be a time for reflection and wonder! As the landscape around us changes, we can marvel at the bare trees and powdery snowy streets and the crisp air. We can turn on the candles, cuddle under blankets, and sip on hot cocoa. We can use the freezing temps as a reason to rest, reflect, and find contentment in staying put.

When we see all that winter has to offer, we can find the joy in this season! As we lean into the slowness of winter, we can reflect on themes of rest and fullness in God’s Word. And we can ask God to show us joy in hard times. Take some time right now to center your mind, cozy up with a blanket, and reflect on these verses with me:

God can give you peace, no matter the season. You can ask God to help you give thanks.

The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. — Colossians 3:15-16 (GNTD)

Even during the cold, bleak winter, God’s abundant joy is available to you!

You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him. — 1 Peter 1:8-9 (GNTD)

Right now, ask God to give you rest.

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light. — Matthew 11:28-30 (GNTD)

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Thank God for this season. Ask him to give you peace.

Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good;
    his love is eternal.
 Say to him, “Save us, O God our Savior;
    gather us together; rescue us from the nations,
    so that we may be thankful
    and praise your holy name.”
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel!
Praise him now and forever!
—    1 Chronicles 16:34-36 (GNTD)