Raise your hand if you are feeling overwhelmed this week.  It is a theme for many as the days to Christmas countdown.

Extra spending, decorating, shopping, food, church activities, gatherings with people, missing loved ones who are not with us, not to mention the expectations we place on ourselves to not forget anything, make sure everyone else is happy, and somehow keep it all together.

As I ask people how their Christmas preparations are going, I hear everything from “this is a really hard year” to “I love it all!” Even those of us humming Christmas carols all day long have a story of how it gets to be too much. I hear about random tears, frustrations with the already busy schedule, and even hints of looking forward to when Christmas will be over. 

My frustration tends to show up when I catch myself trying to create these mountaintop moments that capture the spirit of Christmas—all my efforts are striving for this perfect moment of Christmas joy. When the irritability creeps in, I am reminded to refocus on what is right before me. I search for more moments of the Christmas spirit in my everyday life. I look for little pockets of joy. These moments touch your heart with a spirit of love.

As the days to Christmas countdown and your lists are not complete, I give you permission to breathe, pause, and fill your heart with your own little pockets of Joy.

May you notice a smile from a friend who greets you at the door and is excited to see you.

May you welcome the warmth of a hug when someone appreciates your thoughtfulness.

May the tears that come when missing a loved one bring a memory that makes you laugh.

May the candlelight on your table bring you a deep sense of hope.

May a special ornament on your tree bring a feeling of love and belonging.

May the red cardinal on your fence remind you that you are not alone.

May the celebration of Jesus' birth unite us in a humble posture of gratitude. 

Amen.