Now that the month of Christmas has arrived, I don’t want to miss it.

Each year the month of December presents many opportunities. My schedule explodes with an increased work load and seasonal festivities, but I don’t want to miss what is most important.

I want to reach the end of December knowing I relished the season, had meaningful conversations and connections with loved ones and embraced God’s greatest gift to me, Jesus. I want my heart to be engaged and present in the season.

Rather than speed up during the month of December, I want to slow down.

This year has brought tremendous change as Eli grew from a squirming baby to a running babbling toddler. I also began working from home and Jon now has less than a year left in school. I want December to be a time of celebration as I reflect on all God has brought us through and the many gifts He has given us.

The lyrics of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Edmund Hamilton Sears reminds me that to hear life’s greatest truths, I need to be still:

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth,

To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men

From heavens all gracious King!”

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

The angels are still singing. The gift is ours today. I want to hear angels sing. Hearing and absorbing God’s truth and gifts happens best when I intentionally slow down and take time to listen. As the year comes to an end, I want to reflect on what has been and be ready to follow God’s guidance for the future.

December is a time of warmth, reconnecting to loved ones, gifts, God’s love revealed, cookies, traditions, warm cups of cocoa and tea, remembering the past, preparing for the future, the smell of fir, peppermint and cinnamon and so much more.

To begin our December journey of embracing the season

  • what do you most love about December and the Christmas season?
  • What do you feel is most important to you during this time?

I love the colder weather, warm cups of cocoa and tea, fuzzy socks, writing and sending cards (reminding me of the people I love and am loved by), time with family, Christmas lights, traditions and time off work for lazy days. As I reflect on the question the slowing down and connecting to family are most important to me. If this means baking less or sending fewer Christmas cards, that is OK. I’d rather have the time to refuel and spend time with family.

I’d love to hear from you.

Deanne