Slow Down

During December, our theme is The Christmas You've Always Longed For: How to Recapture the Wonder of the Season.

Christmas always evokes feelings of longing. Almost in spite of ourselves, we begin to expect remarkable things to happen during this season.

Unfortunately, we are all too often disappointed. Fatigue...stress...sickness...overspending...feelings of depression...comparing ourselves with others...it goes on and on and on...

Be encouraged! Christmas doesn't have to be this way. Christmas can become what you have always longed for - a positive, holy observance, no matter what your circumstances!

During December, we will focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Read the familiar story about how the first Christmas developed in Luke 1:26-45.

We see Mary with a sense of hurry in Luke 1:39 -

LUKE 1:39. In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah.

Yet Mary was wise enough to find a place to recharge - she went to the house of Zechariah, and spent time with her older relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. Luke 1:56 implies that this time must have been very valuable for Mary:

LUKE 1:56. And Mary remained with her about three months.

Lessons we can learn from Mary:

• Watch your expectations. Don’t blame anybody else for your December this year. Don’t blame big business. Don’t blame the media. Don’t blame irritating relatives. The only way to come close to the Christmas you’ve always longed for – is to be in charge yourself.

• Watch your language. Even our language contributes to the frenzy. Let your language reflect your values.

• Watch your behavior. You take charge of the things you do that contribute to the frenzy and foolishness. A behavioral change is required to slow down.

The lesson for week one of Advent is simple - SLOW DOWN! Did you get that? Slow down!

Be sure and read the practical suggestions for this week found on pages 16-31 of your Advent calendar!


Here's an additional suggestion. Go see the movie THE NATIVITY. This movie has just been released, and is now showing at the cinema in Brenham, as well as at multiple locations in the Houston area. You will gain additional insights into the experience of Mary! (This review in the magazine Christianity Today suggests that the PG-rated movie should be suitable for children of age 8 or 9 and up.)


A Cup of Silence, a poem by Greg Asimakoupoulos

I poured a cup of silence
(my afternoon repast),
a needed brew of nothingness
to pace my race with rats.
Just a simple cup of quiet
to still the noise of grown-up toys
some call technology.

Silence...

No beepers to buzz off,
no faxes to answer,
no deadlines to bury (for now),
just a sip or two
from this cherished brew.

Silence...

Simon says
(and Garfunkel too)
that silence has its sounds.
I think I would agree:
it's the whisper of a moment--
more tastier than tea--
when I hear the still,
small voice of God.


And a little humor... (??)

TOP TEN WAYS TO GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (anonymous)

10. Use "Silent Night" for your aerobic workout.
9. Go a-wassailing, whatever that means.
8. Floss with tinsel.
7. Egg nog flapjacks!
6. Read the original Christmas story - in Greek.
5. Practice gift-wrapping your children.
4. Try Calvin Klein's new "Frankincense" cologne.
3. Get pregnant, ride on a donkey, and live in a stable.
2. Dye your pets red and green.
And the #1 way to get into the Christmas spirit:
1. Mistletoe! Mistletoe! Mistletoe!


Advent Calendars are still available from the church office for 10 dollars. Day One of Advent is December 3, so get your calendar now, and get started. See pages 16-19 of the calendar for the material for December 3- the first Sunday of Advent. To order an Advent Calendar by mail, click here.


A recommended book for children that helps focus on the real meaning of Christmas is The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, by Susan Wojciechowski.