• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Legal Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Speaking
  • Healthy Spirituality Store
  • Resources
  • Bio
  • Healthy Spirituality Gift Guide

Christmas Clamor

December 4, 2014 By Jean Wise

Christmas Clamor

Does December seem noisy for you this year? More Christmas clamor than usual? I am hearing tons of holiday preparation holler over the internet and piles of buy-buy-buy in my mailbox, television and radio. Why do we have to go crazy, getting bigger and bigger, and expanding more more more? Isn’t this supposed to be a peaceful preparation time for Christmas?

My inbox tings with another post about Advent. I don’t know if you noticed but many wonderful bloggers are writing about Advent this year. Great ideas. Seems like every one has something to say about Advent. Some with wonderful visuals and videos. Others with new music. Many with profound thoughts. All with the goal of opening my heart for this wonderful time of the year. I want to consume them all. Explore all of them.  Yes, I end up being distracted and not tuning in my inner spirit to listen to God but only outwardly to what others are saying.

But like that overstuffed feeling you get after the Thanksgiving feast – I am too full to take in any more.

I am tired already. This year I am experiencing being jolted and not finding the joy. I feel the weight of too much noise, to-do’s and wants. I say it is time to stop, simplify and be silent.

How can I best prepare my heart for Christmas? My first step is to recognize and acknowledge all the clamor and pandemonium swirling around me.

I plan not to read everything. I will follow one and only one Advent devotion. I will choose not to do it all and be a picky participant of my preparation. I will be intentional about protecting my quiet time with the Lord. I will do the best I have with the time I’ve got and let go of the guilt, worry and trying to decorate, cook and party like the neighbors.

Note to self: This season is not about me and my ego anyway – It’s about Christ.

I am letting go of Christmas clamor.

Shhhh! I’m listening for God’s whisper.

Hush! I am lingering by the manger.

Watch! I am seeking God’s surprising appearance in the edges of my life.

Mmmmmm! I am tasting peace and quiet stillness.

Ahhh, I am discovering hope and rekindling joy.

Finally! I am being absorbed by Advent.

How is your Advent season coming?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Email

Filed Under: spiritual lessons

Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    December 6, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    I am not going to bake cookies this year–one step toward simplifying our Christmas. Actually, that’s a big step, since baking is quite time-consuming. But we don’t need any more treats, and the time saved will translate into calmer days–time to linger and listen in the peace and stillness, as you so beautifully suggest, Jean.

    • blankJean Wise says

      December 6, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Probably healthier too, Nancy. I actually got the neighbors gifts made – keeping it easy this year and all the cards addressed – less than last year. Think all the gifts are bought so I should have some time for silence and stillness. I am beginning to think stillness or a word like it will be my word for 2015 – being really drawn in that area. Keep listening, Nancy. Blessings on your sabbath.

  2. blankmarthaorlando says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I long for a quiet, reflective Advent, too, Jean. There is so much wisdom in what you have written here. If we truly want to rest in the Lord at this time and wait upon His coming, we do need to step back from the fray and simply become His. Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      December 4, 2014 at 8:54 pm

      Thanks Martha. I just am amazed how many people are talking about Advent this year – with some great ideas and point but knew I had to quit listening or I would explode. I am hungering for stillness and silence more than more info right now. Hope you find peace and hope this season too.

      • blankmarthaorlando says

        December 4, 2014 at 9:09 pm

        Honestly, Jean, I think I’m going to post one more entry, coincidentally a reminder to all that Christ is all we have and all we need, and then take a break from blogging until the new year. Needing to sit with Him as I rework my novels. Received the first one in the next series today, but it’s not yet on Amazon. Hope it will be soon and in time for the ease and calm of shopping from home and not exploding in the world’s rendition of Christmas.
        God bless you for the inspiration you share and hoping your Advent season is one of peace, joy, and rejoicing!

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

blank Read More…

Subscribe to Healthy Spirituality and learn more about spiritual practices such as prayer

This book will help you as you plan and attend a spiritual retreat

blankblank

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Medium
  • Pinterest

Search This Blog

Categories

Copyright © 2023 Lifestyle Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress Themes · Blog Set-Up By Blogelina

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy