You have a to do list that is never ending. The Christmas season is packed with a million wonderful things and yet it’s lost its luster for you. You begin to dread getting up in the morning. What is going on in your mind, heart and body? Christmas is coming and you want to feel all joyous, happy and hopeful. Instead you feel all worried, grumpy and exhausted. How do you find sacred Christmas moments of rest?
What are sacred Christmas moments of rest?
When I think about sacred Christmas moments of rest, I think about letting go of all the hustle and bustle and letting God direct my steps. I am so good at making lists, scurrying around to get things done and making sure that everyone is happy and glad. However, I am learning that “making” everyone happy and glad for the holiday season is not my job. In the past, when I have attempted to do that, I am the one who gets mad and grumpy.
To practice sacred Christmas moments of rest, I needed to intentionally make time for simplicity, silence and solitude. Sacred means dedicated, apart from, a holy time. These practices provide the time needed to pull away from the hustle and bustle of the world and focus on the coming of Jesus. Experiencing these sacred moments can restore your mind, heart and body so that you can feel joyous, happy and hopeful, no matter the circumstances. How do you give yourself permission to regularly find sacred moments of simplicity, silence and solitude?
Simplicity
Inherent in the word simplicity is simple. The act of simplicity helps determine what is essential. How do you enjoy the holiday season and make it simple for yourself and your family? How much of the “traditions” can you eliminate and still make it meaningful?
For example, this year, our family decided that regifting or shopping at a thrift store were viable options for gifting as well as giving each other short gift lists of practical items. This simple choice has taken a huge pressure off our budget as well as lessening time in the stores. It also means we’ll have more time for games and memory-making when we get together as a family because there won’t be so many gifts to open.
Silence
Christmas time can be noisy, with lots of activities, people, places via for your attention. Taking time to sit with God in silence can totally refresh your mind, body and soul. Silence is a chance for your brain to regenerate, reduce stress and tension and be reflective. Where can you find silence? Do you have to get up early or stay up a little later to find silence in your household?
Silence also gives you a chance to listen to God. You can ask Him what your priorities for the day might be so you don’t have so much to decide every day. Even 10 minutes can be very restorative. I have found that silence, while challenging, is refreshing my mind, body and soul.
Solitude
Even in a busy household, you can enjoy solitude. Solitude is that time of being alone and enjoying it. It might be in the shower, if necessary. Or having a cup of tea while gazing out your window. However brief, that time of solitude – a time for yourself to recharge without any demands on you is a time of rest.
By filling your own mind, body and soul with quiet and care for yourself, you are then able to give out of a full cup. Rest in solitude restores. This solitude time is as important as work times. Giving yourself permission to just be held by God will bless your mind, body and soul.
What about you?
How will you create your sacred moments of Christmas rest? What can you make more simple in your life and your family’s life? What would silence with God look like? Where can you go for some solitude?
As you read these questions, what resistance is bubbling up? Acknowledge the resistance and take that to God as well so that you can find the restorative sacred Christmas rest you desire this season.
In this world of darkness and angst, I am grateful for Christmas rest and sacred moments with God. He lights our paths and restores hope and joy in our families, regardless of our circumstances.
It’s not easy but it is possible and the rewards are great. Contact me and let me know you’d like my 10 Ways to Find Sacred Moments This Christmas for additional ways to find sacred, restorative moments as you seek the Christmas rest. These sacred moments can provide the hope and balance you want for you and your family. He wants to bless all of us as we slow down to listen and rest.
May December be full of sacred Christmas moments!
Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God. She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer. She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you. Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..