How is always the hardest part for me. What and why are simple enough, but how is a different story.
Where do you start when what you want to do calls for stillness, silence, and sitting?
I don’t know how to turn on a switch and be still. If I manage to sit down, my mind is inevitably whirring with activity.
I’m realizing that having a Mary Christmas isn’t accomplished through action steps, even if the actions are stillness, silence, and sitting. A Mary Christmas comes by choice – a choice to slow down and focus my mind.
When I make space to dwell on the season, I’m forced to slow down. I can’t hurry past my Savior when meditating on the joy, peace, glory, and wonder surrounding His earthly beginning. Slowing down is a non-negotiable when my soul is frozen in awe.
The how becomes inextricable from a heart meditating on Jesus. I take cues from the heart of other key players in the humbling narrative of Christ’s birth.
Sing with Mary:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
{Luke 1:46-47,50}
Praise God with the heavenly hosts:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!
{Luke 2:14}
Rejoice with Simeon:
For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
{Luke 2:30-32}
Let our Savior inspire stillness with joy, with awe, with wonder. Let praise and glory bloom in the silence of your heart.
———————
My aunt shared these thoughts with me recently:
Someone once said something to the effect: the words don’t have to be spelled right, don’t have to be perfectly written to be beautiful. So it is with Christmas. The house does not need to be perfectly decked nor the presents perfectly wrapped. The most perfect of “home” has already been set. The stable – no bells, whistles, decorations, fancy wrapped gifts – just God’s perfect plan.
God’s perfect plan for Christmas is not perfection. A Mary Christmas follows His example of simplicity and a heart swelling with our Savior.
How will you celebrate a Mary Christmas?
Emily C Gardner 