Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

…my true love gave to me three French hens…

My third day of Christmas is day 2 of ‘the blizzard of 2010.’ Snow continues to fall; blanketing the house and yard with heavy, wet snow. The familiar landscape of my yard is covered with drifts of white – sculpted by 50 mph winds – with fences, shed, and neighboring houses all coated with snow.

Because of the storm, the second day of Christmas transformed itself from a travel day to a day with no expectations or obligations. A true Sabbath: A day to savor, to rest, to reflect, to enjoy the beauty of a world transformed into a winter wonderland.

This gift represents my favorite part of the Christmas season: taking time to be in the moment. The rush of preparations is past as are Christmas brunches and dinners and opening gifts. Yesterday, there was nothing but time.

Today, the world begins to encroach; the ‘ought to’s’ are returning. There are Vital Posts entries to write and post; Vestry Papers articles to edit. Snow to shovel and thank you notes to be written. Responsibility returns.

Yet, the continuing blizzard forces me to ease back into all of these ‘musts.’ The storm forces me to deal with the immediate: clearing snow from the driveway, walks, and stairs. Shoveling represents another opportunity to be in the moment. Breathing in the crisp air, engaging in physical work, I’ll continue to celebrate Christmas by marveling at the power and glory of God’s creation.

In the Christmas edition of the Boston Globe, columnist Renée Loth reflected on being born during Christmas: “We should celebrate not our births but our lives; every day is an opportunity. What have we made of one more wheel around the sun? Any life has the potential to bring the world hope, or beauty, or compassion. That’s the real reason we honor babies born today – and every day.”

As I shovel, I expect I’ll also be thinking about Renee’s reflection and the invitation to join the baby Jesus in bringing the world hope, beauty, or compassion. Will you also accept this invitation?