Based on a writing from MCC’s own Rev. Justin Tanis, 2001 Hopes of peace, comfort, and joy fill the Advent skies. Nietzche says “You must carry the chaos within you in order to give birth to the dancing star.”
The star in the East that led people long ago to the Christ Child, continues to lure us today. As we draw closer to the birth of Christ within us, we will realize the awesome responsibility we hold to carry peace with us and thus bring peace and justice to the world. Suggestions for touching peace within us so that we can become the presence of Christ for ourselves and others:
- How can you spend time this pre-Christmas season transforming the chaos in your life to give yourself new birth? (Examples: Start a new routine of lighting a candle to relax for a few minutes or set aside 10 minutes for silence each day or clean out the clutter from one closet or room.)
- Select one activity that you generally engage in during the Christmas season and make an intentional decision to change in order to bring yourself and the world more peace. (Example: If you are a notorious shopper, maybe you can trim your spending; if you bake cookies for dozens, maybe you can just send a few cookies and more prayers.)
- Think of one person, not a friend or a family member, that you can do something meaningful for during the holiday season. Now do it. Try to be anonymous. (This is after all, the beginning of peace on earth. “Pay it forward”)
