Tis the season of anticipation, expectation, joyfulness, and endless joy. At least that is what we hear and want to believe. And yet for many of us it becomes the season of overspending, racing against deadlines, fatigue, and grumpiness.
I vowed that this year would be different. I would focus on Advent, spend more time in prayer, watch more Hallmark movies, and be joyful, even if it killed me. This worked for a few days and then I caught myself speed reading the daily Advent reflection and praying on the run, sending what is known as “arrow prayers” to God. You know, those brief, fast, to the point prayers such as that I find the right gift and that it arrives before our Christmas gathering. The Hallmark movies were becoming tedious since I had seen the same one several times, just with different titles. I was becoming more stressed. Plus, I had a reflection to write with no time to reflect. Yikes! Joyfulness was off the table for sure. It was covered with wrapping paper anyway!
In the midst of my usual holiday slump, something changed. This December St. Anthony’s is collecting winter outerwear to donate to the Community Closet. This project seemed well worth supporting so I paused long enough to catch my breath and search out a couple of items to donate.
Taking the time to search for the items, thinking of and praying for the child or children who need them opened my heart a bit. Joy found its way in. What had changed? It began with thinking about someone other than myself, someone who lives with actual struggles and needs, especially this Christmas.
We are celebrating GIFT at Christmas. The Incarnation, God becoming human in Jesus who spent his life reaching out to others, healing, forgiving, and loving them. He showed us that humanity and all of God’s creation is good and holy as He embraced and became one with it all. That is what we call the incarnation and what we celebrate at Christmas. He continues to invite us to follow him through gifting love, forgiveness, and healing to all of God’s creation.
Wishing all of you a Blessed Christmas.
– Terri Sersch
Reminders to think of others who are in need are truly welcome this time of year in our frenzied lives. Every donation and prayer gives a blessing to someone and the giver receives one as well. Thank you Terri! Wishing you and everyone the gift of Joy in the celebration of Christ’s birth and in the new year!
We did a reverse Advent calendar this year. One food item daily for the food pantry. Seeing the pile increase touches my heart too. Today’s reading adds a good reminder to pray for the recipients too.
I love your honesty and authenticity, Terri! How relatable! And a beautiful reminder to look outside of ourselves, serve others and pray for them. Thank you!
Thank you Terri. Like you, I try but need reminders along the way.
Thank you for this moment to breathe. A moment of Christmas peace. Jesus comes to us just as we are, loves us just as we are. All we have to do is receive. Then share that with others.