How can we find time for God during the busy holidays?

Draw yourself into ‘still, sacred spaces’

The Rev. Angela Lowe, chaplain, Lawrence Memorial Hospital:

It’s hard to believe that the festive preparations for Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Buddha’s Enlightenment Day are upon us.

The themes of light and love, joy and peace, giving and receiving, are intricately interwoven into the seasonal celebrations that draw us closer to each other and closer to the divine.

The celebration of Christmas often begins with the lighting of the first candle of the Advent wreath, which symbolizes the coming of the Christ child and the ageless reminder that God is with us.

According to the Quran, Muslims believe that God requires the fast of Ramadan so that believers “may cultivate piety.” The Hebrew word for Hanukkah means “dedication.” Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and is symbolic of the victory of good over evil.

African-Americans reaffirm the dignity of the human person in their community and culture. Buddhists are drawn into intensified meditation schedules as they seek their own enlightenment.

What would happen in our personal lives if our first priority was to make time for spiritual reflection? The Hebrew scriptures remind us to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Whether you sing “Silent Night” with a group of carolers on a starry night, provide a meal for the poor, light your Menorah, wear bright clothing to visit temples, send cards and greetings to those you love, or participate in celebrations with lanterns and lights, making time for spiritual reflection will draw you into those still, sacred spaces.

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday seasons, may the gifts of love, peace and light flow through our hearts as we prepare to share good tidings of great joy with all people by making time for the true meaning of our respective sacred celebrations.

– Send e-mail to Angela Lowe at angela.lowe@lmh.org.

Holidays are more than advertising ploys

The Rev. Denise Hygh, pastor, Central United Methodist Church, 1501 Mass.:

During this holiday season, we are often so busy with buying gifts, cooking, planning for family visits, shopping and preparing for the big Christmas Day that God is often crowded out.

If we do not keep the significance of this holiday as a priority, then our celebrating is at a loss.

We have blended into the culture of just going through the hurried process until the next season. The holiday season will be just another way of doing something tangible without seeing the eternal benefits.

We have to remember about God and the birth of Christ during this time – the gifts of salvation, grace and eternal life. It’s the best gift.

The holidays can be a gift-giving time of reconciliation, forgiveness and starting over for the upcoming year.

This season should not just remind us of what we have, but how can we give to others and how can we pray and help our brothers and sisters in need.

My family was in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina. As time has gone by, my son has enrolled in college nearby, my mother has moved here indefinitely, and other family members are still processing the next steps. I have witnessed God’s grace transforming and renewing their lives above the ashes of the storm. Family is the priority of my holidays this year.

These are the positive attributes of holidays. Where is God in all the shopping?

The holidays can be a stressful, but we have an opportunity to turn that stress around when we remind each other why we celebrate.

Plans can be altered to include God in our shopping, living, preparing and planning. Maybe a family can share a devotion time, sing songs that highlight our faith, or be a witness that the holidays are more than advertising.

The holidays are about God having a permanent and first place in our hearts.

– Send e-mail to Denise Hygh at cumcpastor@sunflower.com.