Take a Breath!
If I can have everyone do just one thing this Christmas season, it’s to stop, slow down, and “Take A Breath!” I know it might sound crazy…but I want you to slow down. Get out of the rat race for moment. Turn off your TV, put down your phone, shutdown your computer and just sit still. It’s hard, we are not wired that way. The one thing we seem to forget so quickly as human beings, is that we are also spiritual. And yes we need to keep that spirit full or we become dull and lifeless.
When was the last time you actually just sat still and listened? Listened to your surroundings, listen to what your heart is saying to you? Try it, I would say go 5 minutes, but a minute will seem like 10. Set a timer (I know I told you to put your phone down, but set a timer first then put it down.). Get comfortable and take some really deep breaths. Let go of all your tension and worries.
This Christmas season, as you sit there quietly remember and hear what the angels said to the shepherds. “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10)
As you sit there quietly remind yourself…this message is also for you. The first part truly fits this last year…fear not. It seems there has been a lot of things tossed at us and it wants us to fear. Fear to a point of not even having a life. Now I am not saying do not be careful. But the greatest thing we fear is death. Remember why the baby Jesus came into this world. He grew to become our perfect sacrifice not only for our sins, but to give us eternal life. In this craziness of life remember you are loved, you are a forgiven child of God, and you will live for an eternity because of the Savior that was born in the town of David!
And because of the gift given to each of us as told by the angels. We can take a breath, and know all will be well. So give yourself a Christmas Present this year, take time each day. Be still and listen for God. He is there, and He will comfort you and strengthen you for another day.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tom