Normally, at this time of year, it is not uncommon for me to write something that encourages us all to take a breath. Many of us can be exhausted from all the parties that we have been attending, or are stressed about shopping that still needs to be done and how crowded the stores will be. We worry about not having a clean house for family that will be coming over or wondering about how are we going to fit everything in the car as we head to grandma’s and grandpa’s house.

This year, we are just as exhausted, if not more so, but for different reasons. No one is coming over, so the house doesn’t have to be cleaned. We aren’t supposed to travel, so we don’t have to worry about loading up the car. Stores are not as busy because more shopping is being done online. Yet, because of the pandemic, even though we have no place to go, we are just as stressed and anxious.

So again, I remind us all to stop and breath. Close your eyes and relax. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale out your mouth. Do this three times. Perhaps straighten up in your chair as you do it.

This won’t solve your problems. You won’t open your eyes with everything magically better. But you will feel more peace. You will be better able to move throughout your day with compassion and empathy. You will have a better understanding of love.

The birth of Christ is not about a party or a celebration. It is about a reordering of our lives. It is about God entering in the fear, anxiety and exhausted-ness that we deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes, in order to hear God, we need to be intentional about listening. Stop, breath and listen today.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim