The psalmist has the true message. We have to slow down to truly feel the loving touch of God’s hand. We are in the midst of this Advent season and are waiting for the coming. At first thought, the waiting should be in stillness and calm but that not the way it is at all. We are so rushed and busy with the many responsibilities and obligations of the season. There are gifts to buy, parties to go to, special church services to attend, and for most of us, Christmas will be a relief. It is a relief because we can slow down and rest from the “holidays” that our world has created.
Let me urge you to think in a counter-cultural way. Try to see these coming days between now and Christmas day as a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16) The true joy of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. Love is so easy to forget in the midst social norms that conflict with our faith and of competing for ideas that surround us. Let us resolve not to be carried away by popular culture.
A few suggestions:
- Give something to a total stranger. (not just a homeless person)
- Take the time to make eye contact and speak to store clerks who serve you.
- Reaffirm your love (with words) to your family and friends.
- Pay someone a genuine compliment.
- Share your belief in the love of God through Christ our saviour of Christmas with someone.
- Attend worship on Christmas Eve.
- Reconcile with someone.
- Pray.
- Spend a little time in silence every day.
Those are just a few of the many things that we can do in this season if we just slow down and look outside of ourselves. I am sure that you can think of some on your own, but you need to be still long enough to do so. Find a way to grab the opportunities that come your way show the love of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, there are times when I just want to ask your help so that I may just spend some time living like you intended. May I follow the example of Jesus as I share the love that was modelled by Him. Such a love is without strings or stipulation but merely a love that is waiting to be accepted. Let me reach out with open arms to all. May you guide in my decisions this advent and Christmas season and allow me to be a source of blessing to those I touch.
Amen.
For more articles, visit Your Wellness Matters at www.paularoseparish.com. And if this article has helped you in a small way, please like it and comment.
For helpful articles on converting from Protestantism to Catholicism and videos visit ALMOST CATHOLIC at http://almostcatholic.blog
Visit My YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIHzAbvL5Wdjlh4Q57XHEDA
I have worked internationally with over 40 years of experience, having a Bachelor of Pastoral Counselling and Theology and a Master of Arts in Counselling & Professional Development. BACP Life Coaching Certificate. I currently work as a Christian educator, blogger, author, and grandmother living with my two dogs in Wales, UK.
If you wish to connect with me, please do so at paularoseparish@gmail.com
?Want to help support me as an author? My books are available at AMAZON.
?Psalm 23 Unwrapped: Hope in Difficult Times.
