Spirituality during the Busy Holidays

They're here. The Holidays.

All Hallow's Eve commonly known as "Hallow E'en",  and All Saints Day on November 1st. Thanksgiving. The Feast of St. Nicholas (That's the 6th of December, not the 25th!). Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the following 12 Days of Christmas. New Years Eve, also known as the Feast of the Holy Name. And Epiphany on January 6th.

So maybe you don't celebrate all of these, but something tells me you probably have enough on your plate with what you do celebrate. And if these holidays are really to be Holy Days how do we keep them from merely becoming Busy-days? Here are some thoughts..

1) Turn off the TV or radio and read instead. There are a number of books out there about Advent or Christmas or giving thanks. Sit by the hearth or next to your favorite window with a hot drink. Put on some soothing music. Read a devotional book or read the daily readings for the seasons found in your prayerbook (we're starting year 1 this Advent). Take a minute. Breath. Read. Reflect.

2) Find some sacred music. Don't have time to sit? Put on some music in your kitchen or living room or car. Buy a CD of music that draws you into God even while you are doing dishes or writing Christmas cards.

3) Pray the Collects (prayers) of the season found in your the Book of Common Prayer. It takes 60 seconds or less and simply acknowledge that there's another reality, a spiritual one, that is present even when we're busy. It's like looking up from your work and realizing there's a whole other world around you!

4) Look for opportunities to serve and love others. The value of a gift is determined by the person who receives it. A smile, a card, a hug, a cup of coffee or prayer may not cost you much, but it can be worth immensely more than you think to the one who receives it. Watch. God will show who is in need, what to give, and when to give it.

5) Talk with others. Ask questions. What are other people giving thanks for? How are they preparing their hearts for Christmas? What do they thing or hope God might do in their lives this coming year? What did God do in their life in the last year?

Don't set you aim too high. Many of us want perfection, especially during the Holidays - perfect gifts, meals, parties, decorations, etc. This year, aim for grace and love instead. Take just a little time for the Holy. You will find that what you gain is far greater than what you have invested.

May these and all your days be Holy in Christ Jesus,

Fr. James+