The Quiet Center

Come and find the quiet center
in the crowded life we lead,
find the room for hope to enter,
find the frame where we are freed:
clear the chaos and the clutter,
clear our eyes, that we can see
all the things that really matter,
be at peace, and simply be.

This is the first verse of one of the hymns we sang at church today. It happens to be one of my very favorites and I've sung it many times- both in church and at home, but for some reason I never associated it with Christmas... until today.

How many of us are rushing around right now- trying to complete every little detail to make Christmas perfect. How many of us are over spending our budgets, maxing out our credit cards- trying to find gifts for people who we hope will appreciate our efforts. How many of us are counting the days til the madness is over?

How many of us spend time sitting before the manger each and every day-- remembering the true meaning of this season?

This year my Christmas will be different. Due to the loss of my job, and severe financial difficulties- there won't be gifts under the tree (there won't even be a tree). There won't be my usual "secret Santa" visit to an animal shelter. There won't be lights outside or decorations inside.

What there will be is my beautiful nativity, given to me by my dear Mom several years before she died. There will be a Christmas nail, hanging nearby. There will be a copy of the words to today's hymn. There will be candles, symbolizing the light of Christ.

It's in the true meaning of Christmas that I intend to focus my eyes and heart over the next few weeks. In many ways, I'm thankful that God is helping me focus on HIM this Christmas. Yes, I wish that I could provide my friends with wonderful gifts, and that the animal shelter would again receive their gifts from "Santa". But to know-- REALLY KNOW, the meaning of this season is a gift to me from God that at this time in my life is far more priceless than any material gifts I could give or receive.

Come and find the quiet center
...Peace be still...
in the crowded life we lead,
...Are we too busy to hear Your voice, Lord?...
find the room for hope to enter,
...Is there room in OUR inn for You this year?...
find the frame where we are freed:
..."The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners..."
clear the chaos and the clutter,
...Prepare ye the way of the Lord...
clear our eyes, that we can see
...Open the eyes of our heart, Lord...
all the things that really matter,
...Happy Birthday Jesus...
be at peace, and simply be.
...And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE...