Quieting your heart for Christmas

Since the book came out a couple of years ago, one of my favorite resources for preparing myself for Christmas is actually Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson‘s “Life-giving Home.”  The last chapter, for December, is written by Sarah and I come back to it each year.  From the perspective of a daughter and with eyes set on Jesus, she so beautifully captures why we must persevere in celebration and preserving the richness of this Christmas season: 

“Christmas is often seen as a season of excess. What it ought to be is a poignant season of remembrance. The point of all the food and song and gifts is not some hedonistic, once a year immersion in material over-indulgence. The point is to put flesh and expression to joy.  If we lose sight of the Christ child’s coming, if we forget the heavenly joy we are trying to embody, then Christmas can easily become a season of mere excess. But, when the Incarnation is at its heart, then every song, every special meal, every planned event becomes a pageant in which the drama of the heavenly story is lived out. The Christmas festival becomes a tiny taste of eternity, rising up in time.” (pg. 234)

I love reading her words, lovely reminders of why we do what we do this time of year.  As a mother, it often feels crazy these days. My own desires and hopes for what I want Christmas to be like for our family can be squashed by the realities of life – money, time, energy, expectations, conflicting interests. I want this time to slow to a crawl so we can fully embrace the traditions and celebrations, but I also want someone else to be in charge of the traditions and celebrations so I can enjoy them too.  

Alas, it is up to only ME to quiet my heart this Christmas for myself and for my family.  Just as I send my children for their “quiet times” each afternoon, I need to seek out quiet time just for myself, lest the needs and wants and must-dos of this month whisk my peace away and allow the striving and exhaustion to take over.

In Sarah’s December chapter, she remarks about the Advent season and it’s purpose as capturing the longing for a Savior.  The deep yearning for the one who would make all things right, the long-awaited child who would become the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

As we quiet our hearts before God this Christmas, let us focus on the longing for Him.  Do you long for Christ? Do you long to know Him more? Do you know Him at all? Do you want Him to rule your life? What does it mean to you that He is the wonderful counselor? the prince of peace? Do you feel His presence right now? Join me in crying out for Him, calling for Him to move in our hearts, praying for His spirit to give us peace and rest.