December starts with good intentions of organization & calm & cards posted on time. Yet as the month rolls on, it gains momentum like a giant snowball gathering more & more festive events & shopping.
In the past I have identified with Bilbo Baggins who said, “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.” (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)
We need to create margin in our days as we approach this time of the year. Our diaries may be jam-packed already but it’s in the quieter moments that the true meaning of Christmas is found.
There are choices to be made to make space in our schedules.
Especially in this season, we need to prepare room for the One who became one of us. In the quiet, we can connect with God. We can make room to marvel & wonder at the miracle of Christmas, that God is with us – Immanuel.
We can identify what recharges us & spend time doing what brings light & restores our soul.
We can read God’s Word & devotionals that refresh the richness of the Christmas narrative again.
We can pray for our family,our community & our broken world.
We can listen to Christmas music-traditional carols blended with contemporary worship.
We can quiet ourselves on the inside to make room for God to speak to us- to whisper to our weary souls.
We can explore!Wrap up warm & escape into the great outdoors to breathe deeply, clear our minds & star gaze. Spending time in creation is one of the best ways to unplug & connect with the One who made it all!
We can also make room for others- not just our friends & family. We can give the gift of time.
As we step into another December week, carve out time & make room for the Baby born in Bethlehem, Who is Lord of All.
‘Let every heart prepare Him room’
(Isaac Watts-Joy to the world)
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 