Pause in His Presence: Christmas Encouragement for Worship Leaders

Pause In His Presence: Worship Leader Encouragement for the Busy Christmas Season

As we wrap up the Overflow Worship Podcast for 2023, it’s a perfect time to take a step back and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on this year. I’m Andrea Olson, and today’s episode is all about finding a moment of peace and encouragement during this busy Christmas season. Grab your favorite warm drink, settle in, and join me as we explore a moment of reflection and share a word of encouragement.

Gratitude and End-of-Year Reflection

Welcome to the final podcast of 2023! Can you believe we’re here already? This year has flown by, and I am so grateful for each one of you who has been on this journey with us. Your support, whether you’ve been listening, watching on YouTube, or engaging with us in other ways, means the world to me. This podcast has been a space for growth, learning, and encouragement, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the New Year.

As we close out the year, I wanted to do something a bit different. December is one of the busiest times for worship leaders, and I know how overwhelming it can be. That’s why today’s podcast is a bit shorter, giving you a chance to pause, reflect, and take a deep breath. I hope this brief moment of stillness will provide the encouragement and peace you need during this hectic season.

Let's take a moment to look back and appreciate how far we've come. Reflecting on our journey not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also fills our hearts with gratitude. Think about the challenges you've overcome, the growth you've experienced, and the lives you've touched through your ministry. Every small victory and step forward is worth celebrating. So, as we wrap up 2023, let's cherish these moments and use them as fuel for the exciting path ahead.

Reading from "The Proof Is In the Manger" Advent Devotional

Today, I want to share a little piece from "The Proof Is In the Manger" Advent Devotional, a work I wrote for YouVersion last year. Let’s take a few moments to pause and remember the true meaning of this season.

• Reflection on the Wise Men and Shepherds: Imagine what it must have been like for the wise men and shepherds when they first saw Jesus. For generations, they had awaited the Messiah, speculating how and when He would come. Yet, when they saw Him lying in the manger, all their waiting and trusting proved worth it. They were looking at the proof that God had kept His promises.
• Picture the scene: the anticipation, the excitement, and the overwhelming joy of seeing the fulfillment of a promise. The wise men traveled long distances, following a star with unwavering faith. The shepherds, humble and perhaps feeling unworthy, were chosen to witness this miraculous event. Their hearts must have been bursting with awe and gratitude. As we reflect on their experience, let's allow that same sense of wonder to fill our hearts this Christmas season.
• Rediscovering Joy: Perhaps these stories have become routine for you, losing their meaning. I challenge you today to see them through fresh eyes, like the shepherds witnessing the fulfillment of a lifelong promise. Remember, the same joy they experienced is available to us because we have that same proof living within us through Jesus.

It's easy to let the familiarity of these stories dull their impact. But let's take a moment to imagine the joy and excitement of those who witnessed the birth of Jesus. That joy is still available to us today. We have the incredible gift of knowing Jesus personally, experiencing His love, and witnessing His faithfulness in our lives. So, let's rediscover the joy of our salvation and let it shine brightly in our hearts and through our ministry.

A Moment to Pause

This season can be incredibly demanding, especially for those of us in worship ministry. We bear the weight of creating joyful, meaningful experiences for others while often feeling depleted ourselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget to take care of our own spiritual health.

• Personal Conviction: Just last night, I found myself overwhelmed by the endless to-do list. I realized I hadn’t taken the time to fully settle my heart and mind before God. If you find yourself in the same place, let’s take this opportunity to pause together. We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed, especially during the Christmas season. The endless to-do lists, the pressure to make everything perfect, and the constant demands on our time can leave us feeling drained. But it's essential to remember that we can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God is not a luxury—it's a necessity. So, let's make a commitment to carve out moments of rest and restoration, even in the midst of our busiest days.
• Encouragement for You: You don’t have to wait until things slow down to find peace and joy. Right now, take a moment to sit in God’s presence, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Let His peace and joy restore you. Think about the last time you truly paused—when you let go of the hustle and simply sat in God's presence. These moments are vital for our spiritual well-being. They ground us, refresh us, and remind us of what's truly important. So, whether you're in your car, at home, or even in the midst of a busy day, take a deep breath and allow God's peace to wash over you. These small moments of connection can make a world of difference.

Closing and Musical Pause

As we wrap up this episode and the year, I want to offer you a moment of musical reflection. The last song from my album, "Pause in His Presence," is an instrumental piece designed to help you find a moment of stillness. Whether you’re listening in your car, at home, or while doing dishes, I hope this music provides a few minutes of peace and encouragement.

Music has a unique way of touching our souls and creating a space for reflection and peace. As you listen to "Pause in His Presence," let the melodies carry you to a place of rest and renewal. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and allow the music to be a backdrop for your thoughts and prayers. This simple act of pausing, even for just a few minutes, can have a profound impact on your day and your spirit.

Thank you for being part of the Overflow Worship family. I pray you have all the extra amounts of everything you need this season. From all of us at Overflow Worship, Merry Christmas!



I am deeply grateful for each of you. Your dedication to worship and your commitment to leading others in worship is truly inspiring. As we close out 2023, let's carry forward the lessons we've learned, the growth we've experienced, and the joy of serving our incredible God. May this Christmas season be filled with His peace, love, and abundant blessings. Merry Christmas, and here's to an amazing 2024!