

We pray because we know that there is power in prayer. We pray, learn to pray, and practice praying. How do we start this internal reflection? We begin with a time of prayer because that is where worship begins. The same kind of buildup can happen within us, so it is worth slowing down and paying attention to anything that feels empty, heavy, or just a little bit off, as we prepare for Christmas.

Think about dust building up on ceiling fans, or fingerprints or oils from your hands building up on doors, handles, or even light switches. Often, things in a room that we use the most don’t really get seen unless we’re paying close attention. Think of it as the equivalent of looking around at a room you are familiar with, but looking at details. If we forget to do some self-reflection and self-care in preparation for Christmas, could we find ourselves acting distantly with our neighbors and family? Even worse, could that clutter or baggage prevent us from celebrating the arrival of Jesus or cause us to not easily show our love for God or our neighbors? This week, we are going to discuss getting rid of things that clutter our hearts and minds. Perhaps that baggage interferes with our feelings and affects our actions when loved ones arrive. When we examine ourselves, we might discover clutter or baggage that has been weighing us down. Examining ourselves, by thinking about our emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health helps us prepare for company. Last week, we discussed the idea of preparing a home and ourselves for the arrival of guests or family.
