Permission to Pause
The Christmas season is in full swing, but can I share something with you… I haven’t even put my tree up yet. It’s on the family calendar for TONIGHT! I’ve only purchased one Christmas gift and that’s because I was with my sister and we decided to go in together to buy it for my mom. I did go to a cookie baking day and took my role as Taste Tester very seriously, but otherwise I haven’t done much to get ready for Christmas.
It seems like everyone in this whole wide world has had their tree and lights and decorations up for weeks. I even know lots of people who have their presents purchased and wrapped, their holiday menu planned, and are enjoying all the Christmas movies as they un-anxiously watch the December days tick by.
If that is you, I celebrate all you’ve accomplished! Well done, friend!
But, that is not where I find myself this Christmas season. Not even close. And, if you’re like me and you feel like you might be a little late on the holiday festivities, I want you to know that IT IS OK! Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, smile, and give yourself permission to just be right where you are without feeling stressed, guilty or frantic.
This is the second week of Advent where we press into the peace that is offered to us through Jesus. This week is a time to pause, even if just for a moment, and reorient ourselves to a more non-anxious way. The tree, gifts and menu add to the joy of the season, but if they are twisting us into a frenzy we risk missing the opportunity to experience a beautiful gift this Christmas.
I know the expectations that sometimes go along with this season can feel overwhelming. I understand that our calendars are full of choir concerts, dance recitals, Christmas parties, church events, and family celebrations. I know we all want our loved ones to experience a special holiday season and there is much to be done to prepare for that. I get all of that.
And yet, this second week of Advent is a call to center ourselves, to ground ourselves, and to anchor ourselves in the kind of peace that passes understanding- even during (and maybe especially during) Christmas.
I want to share some verses that you can meditate on this week as you reorient yourself back to a place of peace.
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.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:12
“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”
Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Numbers 6: 24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
This isn’t a comprehensive list of all of the verses about peace in the Bible, but it is a sampling that reminds us that in Christ and through Christ, we can receive the gift of peace. We can choose to still ourselves, even in the frenetic pace of the holiday season, and orient ourselves to peace because we know the Prince of Peace.
Breathe friend, the things will all get done. Somehow they always do. Right now, give yourself permission to pause and invite in the peace available to you today and every day, through Jesus.
Scripture
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.”
Practice
Make a cup of hot tea, sit down, and just breathe for a few minutes. Reflect on one of the verses above. That’s it. Just relax. Thank God for the gift of a pause.
Journal Reflection
What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? How might you give yourself permission to pause and really enjoy it?
Prayer
Father God, thank you for your peace. As the busyness of the season progresses, gift us with our peace. Help us to carve out quiet moments here and there to turn ourselves to you and orient ourselves to the peace available in and through you.