WELLNESS NOTES
“She will give birth to a son. And he will be called Immanuel.”(Matt. 1:23)“The name Immanuel means God with us”
(Isaiah 7:14)
December is all about “God With Us”!! As we busily prepare for our celebration of Christmas–observing the Advent customs of our faith, and thinking about giving—-we must keep in mind each day that the “reason for the season” is that God came to be with us!! What would God have us do to truly CELEBRATE His being with us?
Let’s think about the possibilities of celebrating the Father–Son–and Holy Spirit being our focus each day:
- Celebrate with Light. Really enjoy those lights on the front of your home—stroll under the stars and be thankful for the light and how it illumines every part of our life. Sit quietly beside your lighted Christmas Candles —taking a deep breath and letting out the stress , worry, and guilt that often accompany the flurry of giving.
- Celebrate the Peace . Make the manger scene on your mantle the focus rather than the plates of cookies and busy parties. Let the peaceful scene of mother/baby/humble setting/ and caring visitors draw us into that miracle—doing all we can to create small (or large) miracles of our own within our home, church, & community.
- Celebrate the Hope. As we listen to the music and enjoy the comforts and blessings of our traditions, let us each be hopeful about our relationships, our health, the news we listen to, the challenges we face, and the strife in our world. By carrying a hopeful, positive attitude in our heart and mind, we are creating great energy toward change and peace in our world.
- Celebrate the JOY. Make every gift be one that brings you and the receiver joy. Fill your heart with joyful music and sights and sound. Bake every cookie and treat with the joy that the scents and flavors bring . Greet those you meet with joyful words (not negative or “I’m so rushed” conversation). Let the spirit of the Christ Child walk with you every step of this Holiday Season.
As an e-mail from a friend this evening states:
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly,
and leave the rest to God.
Have a Blessed Holiday Season
Alice Stephenson BSN,RN,
Parish Nurse Consultant