Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas time and everything that goes with it, the carols, the candles, the shopping/wrapping/gifting mayhem, chocolate, hard candies, the music, and the expectant waiting for the Christ child. I will even tolerate small doses of Gene Autry.
But THIS moment on the calendar is my favorite, when the commercialism is no longer lurking under the tree. When the shepherds are back to their flocks and the Magi have not yet arrived. It feels like having reached a quiet anchorage, sheltered from the maelstrom of holiday havoc. The tree stands in silent splendor. A cup of tea warms my fingers. And the peace promised by the angels finally falls and settles and stays for however long this moment lasts.
In other years we would go on retreat during this time, taking planners and Bibles and reflecting on the year gone, and setting sights on the one to come. Today the dog is by the fire and I can't think of any better retreat than right here at home.
In this moment, may you encounter that peace of promise, drink a cup of fulfillment. May you find in these fleeting days your own safe harbor.
