Scheduling a Silent Night

Tis this season for… a lot.

A lot of cooking, cleaning, and shopping.

A lot of church events, ministry traditions, and volunteer opportunities.

A lot of programs, details, and behind-the-scenes work.

A lot of people. A lot of expectations. ]

A lot of emotions.

Maybe for you, this season is full on “Joy to the World”!

But maybe it already feels like “A Bleak Midwinter”?

I think for many of us, it’s both. Moments of joy and hope. Moments of grief and loss.

It’s just… a lot.

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Before we get into the heart of this season, in anticipation of the big emotions, high expectations, and potentially unsustainable workload:

Do your future self a favor – right now – and schedule a silent night.

Or a quiet morning.

Or a gentle afternoon.

Literally write it in your calendar now, so that you can honor that time later.

Schedule this block of time to stop and check in with yourself. How are you doing? How are you feeling? What do you need in this moment? How can you connect with God in this moment? Light a candle and remember that in the season in which we proclaim “God is with us” – that also means that God is with you. How does it feel to stop and feel that truth in your own body?

We are on the verge of a very busy season. Before your schedule fills up, set aside some time to be still.

Be still and know that I am God…

Be still and remember Immanuel: God is with us.

Schedule the time now and honor the time later. .

This is not time set aside to do chores, run errands, or finish those few things on the to-do list (Unless that is really, truly the thing your heart and soul need in that moment). This is time for you, from you, and about you.

Don’t know where to start? Try twenty minutes. Place your feet fully on the ground. Relax into your seat. Take a deep breath and just feel. Where does restless energy or tightness or heaviness settle in in your body? Pay attention to it. Sit with it. Ask it what it needs, what it is trying to say? What does your creation embodied want you to know?

Try a writing exercise, or a meditative book (we have some suggestions linked at the bottom of this page). Let these moments pass gently without guilt, or “should”s, or shame. Give thanks for your body, your mind, your existence, and your peace.

We know that you care deeply about your work, your traditions, your friends and family, and your neighbors in need. We also want you to take care of yourself. (Yes, I know that you are probably doing a great job taking care of others, providing for others, planning little gifts and experiences for others. But what about yourself?) In taking this time, you are not neglecting relationships, or the needs and tasks that call for your attention. You are honoring them and their importance by filling yourself up to be able to attend to them fully, presently, and lovingly.

Can’t make it happen before Christmas Eve? Lean into this grace: December 25 is the first day of Christmas. The first of 12 full days of Christmas. All of which would be a great time to put something in your calendar for you and your spirit.

Silent Night, Holy Night. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

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