When I was a teenager, after my family had all gone to sleep, I used to lay under the Christmas tree and simply inhale the piney scent and look at the beautiful twinkling lights and ornaments and reflect on Jesus coming to Earth as a little baby. It was so calming and grounding.
I was thinking about that recently and wondering about ways like this that I can soak in the beauty, wonder, and gift of the Christmas season.
How do you slow down and reflect during this time of year?
I like to find a late service on Christmas eve. During the season, I will spend some quiet time alone and look at the lights and the stars above. And I focus on the quiet. That is where I find rest.
No more grasping, trying to make something happen. But allowing what is, what exists, the situation, to be what it is. Letting go of the fight. Making peace with all the things I cannot change.
Just the quiet, and God. Like an ocean. And I surrender to that. Letting go like diving in. Letting it recieve me. To surface when it is time to return.
I love this question. I’ve found that the best way for me to dwell on the true meaning of Christmas is to actually subtract things. Fewer commitments, less pressure to make everything picture-perfect. I put on instrumental carols, light a candle, and just sit. No phone, no multitasking. Just breathing and remembering: God with us. That’s it. That’s the whole miracle.
Try listening to this preachers explanation of the coming of Christ.
He has a very dry English voive, but do listen right through you will benefit froom his exposition.
Advent. I’m being serious–but honoring the current season of Advent I am spending time reflecting on the hope and the anticipation–the expectation–of the Coming of the Messiah. And so when Christmas comes, I can proclaim “Hallelujah, Christ is born!” For on that Day the Salvation of the world took a first breath, God was wrapped in swaddling, angels sang, and shepherds bore witness in awe.
O Christ, Come.
I’ve attended church on Christmas Eve most years, but never for “midnight mass,” or something similar. That always sounds like it would be so meaningful and I’ll even say magical. One of these years (probably when my little ones are a bit older!).
I’m so glad we have the season of Advent to ponder the true meaning of Christmas! Practicing Advent throughout December is so helpful and grounding.