Stuffed with Joy

Stuffed with Joy

stuffed

Being stuffed is not necessarily a bad thing. Just be aware of what fills you up. Take time to be aware of grace, peace, faith, love, hope, joy and other good things…and let the busyness, stress, commercialism, selfishness and all other bad stuff go. Be filled with awe and peace this Christmas. Be stuffed with the  heavenly joy.

Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.

An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is always the most active on the highest feast days.’ The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that we actually miss the coming of Christ. Hurt feelings, anger, impatience, injured egos—the list of clouds that busyness creates to blind us to the birth can be long, but it is familiar to us all. ~Edward Hays

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”  (Luke2:8-12, MSG)

This great joy is meant for everyone. Don’t get stuffed with indifferent things. Get filled with everlasting Christmas joy. Be forever stuffed with joy.

 

Gracious God,
Help us to slow down and be awake
for Christ to be reborn in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: How are you preparing your heart for Christmas?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you slow down to experience the Divine Mystery! Merry Christmas, my friends!
Image courtesy of Nathan Ward.

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