December 2024

As we step into the last month of 2024, I invite you to imagine one of my stunning November walks.

My soul already full to the brim with the vibrant display of reds, golds, yellows, browns and greens of my woodland surroundings, I came to a halt as my gaze fell upon a pool of water (pictured above and below). 

The reflections were exquisite. The white criss-cross of overhead jet-streams in a clear blue sky. The yellow shrub and laced overhang of trees lining the bank; their trunks seeming to slip silently, smoothly, into the depths, without so much as a ripple.  

Drinking deep of its beauty I recalled nature’s message: the calmer the water, the clearer the reflection. The pool was certainly calm. Its water so very still. That’s why it reflected its surroundings with such intense and  crisp clarity. The greater the movement of water, however, the more the reflection would have been marred. 

Life can feel hurried and harried, especially as we approach Christmas. But we can nurture a stillness of soul, even in the busyness, as we take moments to gaze on Jesus; to contemplate or behold His beauty, to open our hearts to His presence, adopt His lifestyle  and let go of unnecessary expectations (Matthew 11:28-30). 

That may be all you need to hear this month: the invitation to “contemplate” Jesus, and in turn be increasingly transformed to reflect His beauty.

If you’d like some help with that, however, you might like to dwell with 2 Corinthians 3:18 through the lens of the Christmas narrative:

1.  Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, were told “Do not be afraid”, a refrain Jesus repeated throughout His ministry; His living words still speaking to us today. 

Contempate Him saying to you, “Do not fear”. Picture the gentle sincerity in His face, hear His compassionate tone of voice, believe and receive the truth that He is with you – always and in everything. He knows what you need and wants to guide and help you. Let this reassurance diffuse your fears and still racing thoughts and emotions. In turn, your calm, assured confidence in Jesus will be reflected to others. 

2. Mary stored up the many things said about her newborn, Jesus, and pondered them in her heart.

If the secular distractions and expectations of Christmas threaten to undermine inner poise and godly peace, remind yourself who you are celebrating. What is the ‘why’ of Christmas? How did it all begin?
As you contemplate Jesus being the Life-giving source and centre of it all, the joy of this truth will calm and still your soul, focus your perspective, and in turn, help reflect His love and grace through the different ways you choose to celebrate. 

3. Magi (eastern astrologers, distinguished for their wisdom, wealth and high standing in society) presented gifts to Jesus, who Himself,  became the greatest gift to humankind.

As you contemplate Christ’s self-giving life, His kindness, compassion, forgiveness, grace… and so much more… receive each day whichever gift you need to calm troubled waters, to guide or reassure. In turn, its transforming effect on your life will reflect His presence to others. 

….May the beauty of the Lord be seen, heard and felt in all you say and do (Psalm 90:17).