“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
My children’s expressions range from disappointed to downright irritated.
“Why did you make plans for tomorrow?” Kid 1 aims an accusing look at a sibling. “We’re supposed to have a cozy family night with games, hot chocolate, and Christmas music by the tree.”
Kid 2 looks defensive. “No one told me!”
Kid 3 pipes up. “We can’t play games — we still have eight Christmas movies on our must-watch list.”
Kid 4 shakes her head. “No movies! We still have to decorate our gingerbread house and Christmas cookies.”
Ever been there? Holiday expectations sky-high, emotions even higher? Before you know it, your loved ones are shouting more than just “fa la la,” and all their holiday goodwill is buried in the snow.
Although we usually associate the book Song of Songs with romantic love, it also contains insights that strengthen other relationships, from friendships to family dynamics. In today’s key verse, for instance, Solomon wrote, “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Songs 2:15).
If God wants our relationships to be like vineyards — beautiful gardens producing abundant fruit of the Spirit — then “little foxes” are the annoyances that sneak in to sabotage our unity, joy, and peace. In my experience, the holidays attract more foxes than any other time of year.
Those foxes may range from mismatched expectations to financial strain, plus the stress of cramming 537 events into a too-short season, the challenge of juggling complex in-law or blended family dynamics, and the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday — all while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas.
Relationship conflict and overwhelm at Christmastime can occur with friends, roommates, co-workers, and extended family too. So how do we protect our vineyards from little foxes?
We find a clue in the lines preceding our key verse: “My dove… show me your face, let me hear your voice …” (Song of Songs 2:14, NIV). Many misunderstandings can be prevented by clear communication.
Our family usually sits down in early December to clarify our expectations, responsibilities, and calendar. We discuss questions like: How do we want this season to feel? What experiences and traditions feel most important?
Little foxes can also be the small conflicts, sharp tones, thoughtless words, and selfish behaviors that strain relationships during hectic times. To capture these conflict-foxes, we can look to Philippians 2:3b-4: “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (NIV). What a beautiful reminder to imitate the Lord’s selfless, humble heart.
We all long for a Christmas season filled with the season’s best fruits: joy to the world, peace on earth, goodwill to all. If we keep catching foxes, we’ll enjoy more of this harvest.
Father, we long to make meaningful memories as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. So we can fully celebrate, please help us catch the foxes seeking to steal our joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
As you look ahead to a new year, what if your days weren’t just filled with appointments and reminders … but were anchored in God’s Truth? Our brand-new 2026 Calendar, Not My Will but Yours Be Done, was created to do just that. Each month features scripture and encouragement to help you surrender your plans and trust the God who holds every moment. It’s a daily reminder that obedience may not always make sense, but it always makes a difference. Whether you use it in your home or office or gift it to someone you love, this calendar is more than a way to keep track of time — it’s a way to keep your heart centered on Him. Make space for what matters most in 2026. Order your calendar today, and carry His Word with you all year long.
The weeks leading up to Christmas can feel like a blur — full schedules, long lists, and constant noise. But Advent invites us to slow down and remember what’s true: Before there were lights or gifts or plans, there was Jesus — the promise of hope, peace, joy, and love for a weary world. This December, join Wendy Blight, Ellen Adkins, and host Kaley Olson on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast for a special four-part Advent series releasing each Tuesday before Christmas. Each week, they’ll share honest, hope-filled conversations to help you pause in the middle of it all and remember why we celebrate. Whether you’re listening on your drive, while wrapping gifts, or by sneaking in a quiet moment with your coffee, these episodes will help you refocus your heart on the One who came near — and who’s still with you now. Listen to the latest episode, and subscribe so you’ll be the first to know when new Advent episodes release.
Elizabeth sends Bible studies and devotions to her newsletter friends, and she’d love to connect on Instagram and her website, where you can find out more about her books, including All the Feels for Teens: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Utterly Confusing.
Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (NIV).
Galatians 5:22-26, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (NIV).
What scriptures or strategies help you to remain peaceful and savor unstressed time with loved ones during the busy holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved.
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