My pastor father always waited until Christmas Eve to ALLOW Christmas music.  On that long-awaited night,  singing Christmas carols brought an uncontainable BURST of joy.   At home, once we were tucked into bed, my parents would ‘play Santa’.  We knew the GAME had begun when the sweet voices of the Medical Mission Sisters reached our bedrooms. 

I CAN’T wait until Christmas anymore.  Years ago, I searched out, “Gold, Incense, and Myrrh” on CD.  I  listen to it as soon as the Advent season begins.  My favorite song from the album is based on Isaiah 35: 1-10.  The chorus is balm to my heart in ANY season. 

 “Strengthen all the weary hands, steady all the trembling knees. Say to all faint hearts ‘take courage’, for he comes the Prince of Peace.”

THIS is the blessing I pray reaches each of you, especially during this time of preparation and through Christmastide.  It is a very difficult time of year for all who are experiencing any kind of loss.  Anxiety related to health and financial security is augmented by seasonal expectations.  Broken relationships sting.  Loss associated with unrealized dreams, the absence of loved ones,  especially due to the gaping pain of death and grief, EACH surface bittersweet emotions that are particularly deep during times that emphasize family and happiness.  

As we wait for the Advent, the coming of Christ, which we recognize in the growing light of our Christmas preparations, I encourage you to be EXTRA kind to yourself.  Relish in all the small ways the joy of Christmas touches you.   You can give yourself permission to listen to your heart.  Although pressure to DO things or FEEL ways that you don’t or CAN’T will surely arise, be gentle with yourself and make choices that bring you the most peace.  It is FOR YOU, for all your beautiful and sacred humanity, for your hurts and your hopes, that Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, is born.  Lean on this wonderful Counselor, the very Prince of eternal peace, to strengthen you and bring you courage this Christmas and always.