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I found Christmas joy in the peace of the Christ
Originally appeared on spirituality.com
We’re right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Making lists (and checking them at least twice) fills our days. As a child and young adult, I loved Christmas. But it gradually lost its sparkle, and a few years ago I wondered whether I could recapture the joy I’d felt in the past.
It didn’t help that when my extended family got together each year, things weren’t always pleasant. The day would start out very happily, but by the end someone would be angry or feel hurt. Opening presents was fun-filled, but short-lived. Once the day was over, I’d feel very let down. Two or three years ago, that empty feeling started in November, right after Thanksgiving. As I usually do when I’m troubled, I prayed. Prayer strengthens my awareness of my connection to God, and as I listen for God’s guidance, wonderful ideas come to me.
The thought that came to me this time was to read What Christmas Means to Me by Mary Baker Eddy.
The following sentence stood out as though was written in neon lights: “I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 262)
The ideas of quietude and eloquent silence really appealed to me. I had been so busy with the holiday preparations that I had forgotten the peace that is available to all of us when we express the Christ.
Expressing the Christ, the spiritual idea of God, is something every one of us can do. In fact, it’s in our nature as God’s children to do just that. But to be aware of the expression of the Christ in our consciousness, we need to be mentally quiet. That doesn’t mean it’s necessary to spend Christmas Day in total silence, but it does mean we need to quiet the mental chatter that detracts from the expression of peace and joy.
So instead of focusing on my list of things to do, I decided to focus on God and all the good He expresses through man. And you know what? You can’t do that and not feel joyful!
I got through my list of chores, too, but it was easier than ever before. Each time I completed a task, I would turn to God and ask, “What next?” Sometimes I’d get a specific answer. Other times, one activity would naturally lead to another. For the first time in a while, I was not rushing around. I felt a deep sense of calm and contentment.
I continued to pray over the next few days, affirming that we all express the Christlike qualities of joy and peace. On Christmas morning, I spent some quiet time thinking about these ideas again before my extended family arrived to spend the day with us.
It was a great day. Everyone enjoyed themselves. After we opened our gifts, everybody pitched in to help with lunch. And instead of feeling flustered and burdened, as I had in the past, I felt comfortable and at peace. It was fun to work together. And as in the weeks before, each activity occurred naturally and just at the right time.
I spent the day filled with love for my family and all mankind. And at the end of the day, after the family had gone, that feeling of quiet joy, peace and love remained.
So this is my suggestion to you: this year, make room in your schedule for some quietude, and discover the benefits it brings. When the Christ is an integral part of your Christmas, you can have the best celebration ever.
The peace of the Christ:
Science and Health
38:24-26
265:23-26
506:10-12
King James Bible
Luke 2:13, 14