I received a Christmas card quite a number of years ago and saved it. It is displayed in a quiet corner of my home where I am reminded here and there of its message that tugged at my heartstrings back then and still does today. You see, Christmas is a very emotional, spirited season for me and so I felt the strong sentiment behind this card which read, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year…” written by Charles Dickens. And so, as I am asked to live in the spirit of Christmas throughout the entire year, I am reminded to keep that Christmas flame alive but what does that mean? For me personally, it means to keep giving of myself. Keep an honest heart. Be grateful everyday. Be joyful. Live each day more mindfully. Make the world a better place.
Looking forward though, I am first inclined to look back and learn and so I reflect and recollect. Speaking for myself, it is often difficult to remember yesterday, let alone eight months ago! How many of us run through the days of our lives with long lists of things to accomplish? At the end of every year, I try to find quiet time to sit and think about the last 12 months. I write about times spent with family and friends, times of peace and happiness, while acknowledging growth and accomplishments of loved ones. I collect those memories and tie them up with a heartstring and hope that someday they will be read once again with gratefulness. But I also look at how my days were spent and how they might be improved upon.
As we move slowly away from Christmastime, after the garland and gifts have long been tucked away, ask yourself not only how your year’s past was lived but how you might keep a healthy abundance of love, joyfulness and peace in your heart in each new day of 2015, to last the whole year through.
As we focus on Epiphany now, we think about God’s purpose in our own life. We begin our journey into the New Year knowing that He has a hand in all of the fine details woven into our daily living. Remember the gift of Christmas is a gift for all times and all places, for Emmanuel is with you wherever you may travel. Give yourself and others the grace and space to learn and grow in the New Year and be ever thankful for the journey ahead.
Honor Christmas in your heart all the year through.
Peace,
Antonia Ryan