Six ways to find peace this Advent By Julia Dellitt
For many of us, the words
“holiday season” are quickly equated with feelings of being rushed, stressed and overwhelmed. As Christmas approaches, we are plagued with thoughts of buying gifts, fighting crowds, making plans and talking to our complicated families. Sometimes we just want to give up and throw in the towel. Through Advent, God invites
us to tune in to our faith rather than check out—a challenge given the frenetic pace and pressures the holiday season can bring. As my childhood priest would often say: “We are not distant from God; we just aren’t paying attention.” When we take deliberate steps toward our faith, community and God, we may find the peace we crave. The following ideas, tools and
practices may help you cultivate peace in your heart as you await the coming of the Christ child this Advent season.
Carve out time to read devotions. Devotions can serve as a daily reminder to hit the pause
button. Before you start thinking, “I don’t have time to read!” aim for a moment a day. Whether it occurs each morning in advance of the rush of to-do lists and obligations or right before bed to wind down a racing mind, devotional time is an opportunity to reconnect with God’s word, ask for help or acknowledge gratitude. Some favorites include Book of
Faith Advent Reflections: You Shall Have a Song (Augsburg Fortress), Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (Orbis, 2004) and All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas (Abingdon, 2004). Available at
elca.org is
“This year give yourself permission to slow down and pay attention to the traces of faith all around you.”
a collection of new Advent devotions by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and leaders from the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Episcopal Church. If formal devotions aren’t
your style, another option is to read a little poetry each day. Certain poems, such as “After Annunciation” by Madeleine L’Engle, “Praying” by Mary Oliver, “A Christmas Carol” by Christina Georgina Rosetti, “Advent Calendar” by Rowan Williams and “Nativity” by John Donne, can inspire reflection and refreshment this month.
26 DECEMBER 2016
Say “no.” You have countless parties, activities and obligations at your fingertips
during Advent. From the get-go don’t overcommit or pressure yourself to show up at every event. Instead, choose those that are most nourishing to you. It’s tempting to get caught
up in the allure of potential plans because it can make us feel important, worthy and special. Similarly, guilt and awkwardness can arise when we feel the urge to meet other people’s expectations of our personality or behavior. Give yourself permission to say no in order to prioritize the balance of your needs and to protect your time and energy. Remember, a packed calendar isn’t the same thing as a full life.
Try alternative worship services. Many ELCA and other congregations
hold special, short weeknight services during Advent that can feel more approachable or convenient. “Churches are increasingly
aware of how hard the holiday season can be for people who are grieving, recovering from addictions, estranged from their families or impacted by mental illness,” said Corinne Freedman Ellis, pastor of Macalester
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