Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - Rev. Wendy Paterson
It is one week until Christmas! Some are eager for the big day to finally arrive and others would like a few more days to squeeze in all the things they'd hoped to get done. I know of some who would prefer to skip Christmas altogether this year because it has just become too stressful, or sad, or empty. It's not the way it used to be or the way we want it to be anymore. For many, it's a season of heightened emotions. Little ones get very excited. Some folks look for romance. Others feel the pain caused by the death of a lost loved one more acutely than they did just weeks before. Old regrets or bitterness from the past can resurface. Christmas feelings can definitely be complicated!
This week in Advent, we are between JOY and LOVE as we light the candles on the Advent wreath. Dec. 15th was JOY and Dec. 22 is LOVE. The HOPE and PEACE candles are still burning and the CHRIST CANDLE will be lit on Christmas. Let me invite you to make time each day this week leading up to Christmas Day for special prayers. Some of you may find yourselves groaning and saying, “Really? I can't fit one more thing into my days right now!” Others may already have prayer routines you are following through this holy season. That's good. Please don't stop. This is just a simple and short prayer for you to try as we approach the day when we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. You can do it alone or with others, any time of the day and in any setting.
Find a quiet place, if you can. Take a whole minute to breathe deeply. Silently ask God to help you forget about everything else that is going on in your head. If you have a cell phone, consider silencing it for five minutes. Just be present to God in the moment. Bring to mind each day's focus (1-2 minutes). Thank God for what has come to you while you've been thinking. (1 minute). Take a final minute or two to breathe deeply again and give God a chance to speak to you in the silence. Of course you can spend longer but try for at least five minutes. Below are the things I am suggesting you focus on with the pattern for each day outlined above.
Wed. Dec. 18 Think about the things that have brought joy to your life.
Thur. Dec. 19 Focus on the joy you have brought to others.
Fri. Dec. 20 Is there something about the Christmas story that brings you joy?
Sat. Dec. 21 Who needs the joy you have to offer this Christmas and how will you do it?
Sun. Dec. 22 When and how have you experienced human love in your life?
Mon. Dec. 23 When and how have you experienced God's love in your life?
Tues. Dec. 24 Who needs your love this Christmas and how will you show it?
Wed. Dec. 25 Merry Christmas. Today, spend a few minutes focusing on God's gift of love at Christmas.
Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones.
Rev. Wendy Paterson