By: Yvette McDonnell
The Christmas Story is one we all know and love.
But do we ever see ourselves in the Christmas story?
Do we ever see our responsibility or participation in the lead up to Christmas and what we can do differently, that wasn’t done back then, in ancient times?
I am specifically talking about finding room for the birth of our Saviour.
Joseph tried to find a place, a space, for Mary, and they were turned away, until they were given the stable.
We know that “Jesus is the reason for the season” but in our busy lives, do we really take the time to stop and contemplate what that truly means?
In amongst the end of school celebrations, graduations, work functions, end of year “gotta catch up before Christmas” obligations, late night Christmas shopping and work deadlines, the wind down to Christmas is more like a wind up of our sympathetic nervous system, activating adrenaline and cortisone and doing the absolute opposite to what is required to find that calm and space and “room” to welcome our Lord.
Plans are in full swing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations and whose family gets to celebrate with whom – and before we know it, Advent has become more of a heightened state of stress where we lose sight of the real Christmas story.
A six-week Nativity Fast involves refraining from certain foods for that period, but it also incorporates much more.
Dr Diana Adis Tahhan, author, speaker and Multidiscipline Therapist, recently shed light on these various issues and the ways in which we can make room for Christ, this Christmas.
With many of her clients, she integrates a similar period of prayer and fasting as she does at Easter time.
A six-week Nativity Fast which, as an Orthodox Christian, involves refraining from certain foods for that period, but it also incorporates much more.
This is a purposeful journey towards Christ, as Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem.
It’s worth asking the question: what are we doing in the Advent period to remain clear and focused amidst a world beckoning us into the busyness and distractions of what secular society has transformed Christmas into?
How to make room for Jesus this Christmas
Digital Detox
Dr. Diana encourages us to consider a digital detox which may include but not be exclusive to:
- turning off notifications
- keeping phones in a specific space (device/charging station)
- keeping phones out of our pockets – and off our bodies
- setting up times to use and check phones
- not taking phones to meals or bedrooms
Start the Day Right
By beginning the day with prayer and intention, we’re able to start our day right.
Rather than succumbing to the demands of social media and any calls, texts or emails we missed overnight, we’re able to reclaim that time and space for ourselves – and for Jesus.
It’s worth asking the question: what are we doing in the Advent period to remain clear and focused?
Ditch Social Media
Getting off social media or at least only checking it once or twice a day is a great way to make room for Jesus this Christmas.
Prioritise Family Time
It’s important to create space for simple family time.
Be purposeful in this time and spend it enjoying Christmas lights, attending Christmas carols, or even watching the Chosen Christmas Specials.
“Quietening the noise around us and intentionally making room for Jesus can be the very thing that makes this Christmas the most special yet,” Dr Diana said.
“And it can reverberate changes for your new year.”
Don’t forget to make space for Jesus this Christmas!
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
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