Peace and Imperfection
Here is my gift to you and to me this Christmas: Let’s put it down. Let’s lay down the need to perfectly sparkle Christmas and meet every wish we’ve heard this year. Let’s not worry that we didn’t put out the nativity and how God might feel about that. If the kids all want cash and gift cards, don’t worry that we’ve sold out to empty gift giving. Can we just let Christmas be what it is going to be this year, and make peace with that? That’s what I’m tending this year.
I am trusting that Jesus is going to show up with or without a ton of gifts under the tree. I am trusting that in our loneliness, in our poverty of spirit and joy, in our every struggle… Christmas is coming… all wrapped in quiet holiness.
I remember all the years I listened for sleigh bells on Christmas Eve, and the magical joy of Santa arriving to my daughter’s delight. I remember burning the midnight oil on Christmas Eve to finish the handmade gifts. I remember the blessed joy of witnessing those I love open gifts that they had only wished for or never even thought to wish for and the laughter and tears that spilled over with such delight!
But this year, my being is tired… and I don’t think I’m unique in this. My mind yells, “Push on through,” while my soul whispers, “Rest, my friend.” So, this Christmas season, I am trying to honor the voice of my soul, and I write this to encourage you to do the same. It’s not a copout. It’s actually a very welcoming gesture. We honor what calls us… while we give as we can. It’s trusting that Christmas will come on its own… bearing the truest of gifts that stand ready to bless and to heal and to delight. It’s walking with Mary and Joseph to a holy place that waits for us with all the love we need.
May Christmas find you… right where you are, as you are… and may you be made ready to receive such a loving gift.
Here is my gift to you and to me this Christmas: Let’s put it down. Let’s lay down the need to perfectly sparkle Christmas and meet every wish we’ve heard this year. Let’s not worry that we didn’t put out the nativity and how God might feel about that. If the kids all want cash and gift cards, don’t worry that we’ve sold out to empty gift giving. Can we just let Christmas be what it is going to be this year, and make peace with that? That’s what I’m tending this year.
I am trusting that Jesus is going to show up with or without a ton of gifts under the tree. I am trusting that in our loneliness, in our poverty of spirit and joy, in our every struggle… Christmas is coming… all wrapped in quiet holiness.
I remember all the years I listened for sleigh bells on Christmas Eve, and the magical joy of Santa arriving to my daughter’s delight. I remember burning the midnight oil on Christmas Eve to finish the handmade gifts. I remember the blessed joy of witnessing those I love open gifts that they had only wished for or never even thought to wish for and the laughter and tears that spilled over with such delight!
But this year, my being is tired… and I don’t think I’m unique in this. My mind yells, “Push on through,” while my soul whispers, “Rest, my friend.” So, this Christmas season, I am trying to honor the voice of my soul, and I write this to encourage you to do the same. It’s not a copout. It’s actually a very welcoming gesture. We honor what calls us… while we give as we can. It’s trusting that Christmas will come on its own… bearing the truest of gifts that stand ready to bless and to heal and to delight. It’s walking with Mary and Joseph to a holy place that waits for us with all the love we need.
May Christmas find you… right where you are, as you are… and may you be made ready to receive such a loving gift.
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