Before all the chaos of a typical Egan Christmas celebration begins, I am taking advantage of the serenity of an early Christmas Eve morning at my Mom's home. This is the perfect time for me to reflect and pray through my writing.
Several years ago, I came across this verse, Christmas Beatitudes, through a Christmas card. I like how it takes the Beatitudes and puts a Christmas perspective to them. The Beatitudes are a road map to living a virtuous life in Christ. They point and direct us in a positive direction on our Christian journey -- just as the Christmas Star led the magi to the Christ child! It helps me to keep in mind the "reason for the season!"
Christmas can be both a magical, yet stressful time of year. It is a time for homecomings, celebrations filled with laughter, good food and love. For me, it is watching my younger nieces and nephews excitement of opening gifts and Santa's arrival. It is a time of reconnecting with family and friends!
However, for some, it may be a time of conflicts due to divorce, resentments, addictions and financial pressures to name a few. However, amidst these challenging situations, Ralph Waldo Emerson offers this bit of advice: "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."
Each of us is responsible for our own inner peace. Thus, when the "hustle and bustle" times of this hectic holiday season become overwhelming, take time to find a quiet place to go to pray and meditate. Offer the chaos and stress to our loving, Heavenly Father and ask Him for the gift of a peaceful mind. And, that is truly what Christmas is all about -- peace! The more peaceful I am, the more peace I can give to others. Thus, a "domino effect" begins because peace began with me! What helps me to accomplish this is to keep things simple and to strive to live in the present moment.
"You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind," is an Irish proverb that is chock full of wisdom. To me, it means to "let go and let God" handle whatever is weighing me down. Thus, may our minds be fertile ground fillled with peace and peace-filled, loving thoughts communicated to others through our attitudes and actions this Christmas season!
May these Christmas Beatitudes serve as a guidepost to all of us during the Christmas season!
Merry Christmas!
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the age-old story of a Babe born in Bethlehem. To them a little child will always mean hope and promise to a troubled world.
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the Christmas Star. Their lives shall ever reflect its beauty and light.
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the joy of gifts sent lovingly to others. They shall share the gladness and joy of the shepherds and magi.
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the fragrant green, the cheerful holly and the soft flicker of candles. To them shall come bright memories of love and happiness.
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the silence of prayer and reflection before the tree. They shall grow more in faith and knowledge of what Christmas is all about.
Blessed are they who found Christmas in the message of the Prince of Peace. They will strive in this New Year to help bring peace on earth, good will to all.
Blessed are they who continue to find Christmas in the everyday ordinariness of their lives.
Anonymous
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