Time Out

"Brighten your day, and lighten your way
And lessen your cares, with daily prayers.
Quiet your mind, and leave tension behind
And find inspiration, in hushed mediation."

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
--Isaiah 30:15

"It's not an easy thing to find a quiet moment during the holidays. With shopping, baking, decorating, and entertaining, it all seems to go by in a blur. It could be said, however, that making time for quiet meditation is more necessary during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Unless we do, it's possible that we'll miss some of God's most joyful blessings.

"Christmas has great meaning to all of Christendom and even to the secular world. As the angels said, the season's good tidings were meant for all. First and foremost though, Christmas is about the individual heart reconnecting with God's heart. The Christ Child came on behalf of all of us and just as certainly for each of us. It's possible to be part of the shared blessing that comes from being with family and friends and reaching out to others and still miss out on the personal blessings that comes from spending time quietly resting in His presence.

"As you schedule your activities during the Christmas season, set aside some time each week - or even each day - to spend with your heavenly Father. It's an investment that will give the holidays new meaning and a true sense of joy."
--Helen Steiner Rice, from her book "Celebrating Christmas Everyday"