Doesn’t it seem like a starter pistol goes off on Thanksgiving? One that signals the beginning of a frenzy lasting through Christmas, as many people increase their speed in their already over-busy lives?
Life seems noisy much of the time anyway, doesn’t it? Advertisers try to grab your attention in your email inbox. Posts are shared on social media. Add in Christmas consumerism and expectations.
Things that go through my mind during this season: If I go to that party, do I have a hostess gift to bring, or have time to make or buy something? What do I wear? Do I have the energy to clean up my apartment, so that I can host family, friends or neighbors? How will I give back to my community? Then there is shopping for that hard-to-please person. And the list goes on and on.
Something needs to change in me. I begin to dread the season that I used to delight in as a child. Pressure from a to-do-list, instead of a vacation holiday to enjoy. Can you relate?
Last year, I decided to add in something new, so I went to a free Christmas concert at a nearby church that I do not belong to. Strange things happened as I sat there unknown to the congregation. In my stillness at the concert, my heart truly rejoiced in the Christmas music, and I began to worship my Savior. In my stillness and anonymity at the concert, I felt free and connected to the heart of Christmas.
How about you? Have you tried to slow down and be still at Christmastime? What did that look like for you and your family?
Here are some ideas to encourage stillness this Advent:
- Start the season with a Christmas devotional or prayer book such as Christmastide by Phyllis Tickle.
- Use Holiday Prays cards to pray for those who need encouragement. stonecroft.org/holiday-prays
- Listen to Christmas worship music that celebrates Jesus and cozy up by your Christmas tree. Sing along if you feel like it.
“Whoever sings, prays twice.”
– Augustine
- Ask a friend or neighbor to coffee. Be still and just listen as she shares her heart.
- Limit time or fast from social media.
- Go to a church or cathedral nearby, light a candle, then kneel or sit and pray.
The psalmist, connects stillness with the knowing God:
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.
– Psalm 46:10
With some intentionality and purposeful planning, this season can be a time that gives you rich blessings in stillness. After all, our Savior was born in Bethlehem in the stillness of that sacred night.
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
– Psalm 126:3
Anne Schneider
Northeast Field Director
Inspirational