After The Noels: What Happens To Your Heart After Christmas?

May these words from Coach Kevin Denlinger encourage you today.

The candles go out, the lights come down, the room empties—and suddenly it’s quiet. After weeks of rehearsals, planning, long days, and late nights, Christmas Eve hits with so much beauty and energy…and then it’s just done... it's over.  

Oddly enough, a dip often comes next. You feel tired, flat, or maybe a little sad or discouraged. You might think, “Why do I feel like this after such a meaningful season?” Please hear this: you’re not broken. You’re just coming down from an intense stretch of giving, leading, and carrying a lot.

In that quiet space, some rough thoughts can sneak in: “You should’ve done better.” “No one really has any idea how hard I just worked.” “We should have had more people in attendance.”

Stop them at the door.

The truth is much better than that... your value doesn’t swing with the size or the excellence of the vibe of a service. You’re God’s beloved child, and you will be just as valuable to Him in January as you were in December.

Since this post-Christmas crash is fairly normal, I invite you to give yourself some grace. Rest a little. Sleep in if you can. Take a walk. Eat something green. Let your soul catch up with your schedule. None of that makes you lazy. The fact that you need it just makes you human.

In your mind, you’ll probably replay how everything went. Do what you need to, thank God for what He did, learn what you can... and then close your laptop. Perfectionistic self-critique won’t help your heart.

Also, don’t disappear into a cave. Get together for coffee or lunch with someone who gets it. Laugh together. Let somebody pray for you for once. Or better yet, pray for each other!

Most of life isn’t Christmas Eve—it’s regular Sundays, familiar songs, and somewhat ordinary moments. And all of those things matter. God does deep work in the steady, week-to-week faithfulness you offer - even when the room feels sleepy, and the lights are less dramatic.

So when the low feelings creep in, remind your heart: I feel empty, but Christ fills me. I feel unseen, but the Father knows me. I’m worn out, but God restores strength.

So please hear this: Worship leader, pastor, sound tech—your work matters. But you matter more. Jesus' invitation still stands:

“Come away…and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) Start now: listen to Rory Noland's song (https://youtu.be/7aDiQyZxu2c?si=JZvg-XfWSaZCqxud) as a practical first step in resting.

In that rest, Jesus will meet you again—right where you are.

-Dave Helmuth
Author of the Five Faders and Founder of Ad Lib Music

After The Noels: What Happens To Your Heart After Christmas? (Nº 459)