Pause
Oh, the season of hustle. The time of year when whirlwinds transport us from one event to the next. We ride the waves of wrapping paper, waft through aromas of holiday treats, and wade through rising costs and credit bills. None of it is bad - the church things, the school things, the family traditions, the family expectations, the workplace obligations, and the shopping expeditions. There is just so much hurry in a season where we inherently long for serenity.
So, let’s pause. Take in a deep breath. Did you feel it? The slowing of your heart, the filling of your lungs, the dismissal of the stress, the subtle spark of calm. There, in this moment, in the pause, is the reminder of where our help comes from. Where our hope is found. Where true life exists. Where hurry is not the expectation.
It is the Christmas season and five days into December we may already feel deflated. Used up. Exhausted. Twenty more days to go…how will I ever make it?
After all, the schedule feels cluttered. The endless juggling of who goes where, how they get there, and what will it cost. The pressure to say “yes” to all the things. The tension of wanting to use “no” but feeling anxious about disappointing someone, somewhere. Time overlaps, sleep is restless, to-do lists grow longer, and suddenly the month is over before we realize we were never really present for any of it.
Pause. Roll your shoulders a few times and stretch your neck. It is okay to be home, to take a night off. Celebrate nothing and in doing so, celebrate rest. Exhale the fear of missing out and inhale the Spirit of Peace. Because while you properly slumber, God does not.
But, God, the children are wild. The constant nagging, begging, and pleading through the stores. Everything circled in the toy catalogs. Daily demands texted by teenagers. Constant comparisons of what others have and what they do not. The guilt boils. Who raised these kids?
Pause. Close your eyes for a few seconds. Then, look at those kids. Really look at them. Do you see the good? You may have to close your eyes for another few seconds. Notice the subtlety in their uniqueness. My, how they have grown this year. Embrace the child God gave specifically to you. Quite possibly, that slow and deliberate hug will help recalibrate the soul.
Sure, but the world has lost its mind. The fighting, attacking, finger-pointing. Selfishness rampant in the marketplace, the workplace, actually, in every space. Agendas push, conspirators connive, terrorists war, and economies tank. So many hurting and broken people.
Pause. It is okay to grieve. Instead of dismissing the world’s pain, put words to what you feel. Empathy is a gift. Fear is a crutch. The world’s problems are too much for you, so release what you should and take action where you can. Light up your corner of the world with selflessness and kindness. The smallest acts often stack and make a lasting difference.
Yes, friends, there is a lot of hurry and a lot of despair in this season, as there is in every season. We are too often guilty of losing ourselves in the negatives that are present in the here and now. Why? Because the emotional connections to sadness, anger, disappointment, and frustration often scream the loudest. Our attention is too easily drawn toward consumerism, hedonism, and indifference. The enemy is an expert; he competes for our focus in a season where the message is hope, joy, and peace. Will we permit him to have the upper hand? Will we be distracted by despair, fear, and conflict?
Probably. We will probably lose sight at some point (or many points) during this hopeful season. Our eyes will stray from the Gift of Life and fall on sights that will leave us disillusioned.
This is why we must pause.
Forgiveness has been given. Repentance is our act of acceptance of said gift. After all, the Christmas story launched forgiveness into our lives - the most selfless gift ever given to humankind was Jesus in a manger.
This is where our help comes from. The Creator among the created all while keeping watch over our lives. He is not surprised by the chaos, He is not undone by the enemy, and He is not anxious about you surviving this Christmas season. No, instead, He requests your awareness over the next twenty days (and beyond).
Awareness of Christ the Savior. Acceptance of the gift of salvation. Attentiveness of the blessings in front of you, especially of the people in your circle. Acknowledgment of His mercy, love, and peace.
And to properly accomplish such awareness and acceptance, we must institute the holy practice of PAUSE.
Make it a daily practice to stop.
Notice the good around you.
Refuse to give the negatives space in your head.
Disembark the crazy bus and quit the chaotic race.
See the painted sky, feel the crisp air, hear nature praise the King.
Smile at the clerk, wave at the neighbor, honor the unseen.
Sing a song, aloud. Laugh with friends, aloud. Enjoy the life given.
Rest. Sit and observe. Sleep and dream. Find peace in stillness.
Generously give your time to your family. Be fully present.
Turn off the noise of television and social media.
Stop reading nonsense and start reading that which encourages.
Wrap up in a blanket and watch the fire crackle.
Spontaneously do something that isn’t calendared or planned.
Embrace your children. Even if they stiff-arm you. Hug your gifts.
Call your parents, your grandparents, your old college buddies.
Write a gratitude list - what feels mundane might very well be miraculous.
Whatever you do in the pause, make sure it brings you back to the recognition that our help comes from the Lord. He is our hope and peace this season and beyond.
Jesus is worth the celebration. The gifts He has given us (both tangible and spiritual) are worth accepting. Don’t skip out on the joys of Christmas; just do some heart inventory - who or what are you choosing to honor? And are you present, well, and whole to appreciate the Truth of the season?
Friends, pause daily to recalibrate your soul to the Savior. In doing so, you will not only survive the next twenty days, but you will encounter depth, joy, and the peace of Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
I invite you to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or chai and sit with me. If you haven’t yet purchased God’s Big Ask, you can do so here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKHY7KM
