I arrived home from a four-day retreat in the mountains of Colorado at 2:30 am on a Monday morning a few weeks ago. I jumped back into my real life immediately. I did sleep in a little, but by late morning, I was back at my computer. The afternoon was spent at school pickups and reconnecting with my family.
There wasn’t time for a gentle reentry. I was already too busy to process what grew inside me those few days away, and my mind had moved onto what was next — holiday logistics, my upcoming sermon, a growing spiritual direction practice, church advent planning and on and on.
When I called the holiday season a roller coaster a few weeks ago, I kept looking at it through the lens of a single choice. I viewed it as one choice I’d make at the beginning of the season. One posture I’d take — I could either get on the roller coaster or not. While away, I felt rested, but less than 24 hours after arriving home I was already so very tired.
In relaying my weariness to my supervisor earlier in the week, she offered me this: “sabbath is available right now.” And it took me back to those days in the mountains — I had an overwhelming feeling that what I thought had been a numbness over the last several months was actually peace, asking to be named. I even joked that it was a peace that passes understanding, as this year has been anything but easy. But it wasn’t a joke; rest and peace are offered to us not only while on retreat but in the midst of our very real lives.
Rather than carrying on (because I could!) I want to invite you to a moment of rest right now. I want you to hear me say that sabbath is available. Right now, if you’re able, pause and take a few deep breaths and join me in these breath prayers:
Sabbath is available (inhale)
right now (exhale)
You offer peace (inhale)
that passes understanding (exhale)
If you have a few more minutes, continue in silence or ask God to show you where to find rest and peace this holiday season. I encourage you to write down a few breath prayers that you can return to over and over when you need a moment of rest.
Advent & Christmas Resources
I hope that you’ll find these resources to be an invitation to rest in the love and peace God offers us.
Cole Arthur Riley talks a little about breath prayers, here and Sarah Bessey offers 10 breath prayers here.
On November 30th, I’m offering a virtual Preparing to Wait mini-retreat from 7:30-9pm CT. It will be a spacious time to prayerfully consider how you would like to enter the Advent season. The Preparing to Wait mini-retreat will be donation-based for those who are able, but otherwise free. If you would like to attend, please email me at hollyporterphillips@gmail.com and I will add you to the list to receive more information and the Zoom link. If you are unable to attend but are interested, send me an email, and I will send you self-guided materials after November 30th. This event is open to anyone, so please feel free to share.
These 20-Minute Candles were introduced to me at the retreat a few weeks ago, and I have loved using them in my prayer practice.
Jan Richardson offers beautiful books of blessings - Circle of Grace takes us through the entire church year, but the Advent & Christmas blessings have been particularly meaningful to me.
I will participate in my friend Elizabeth Peterson’s online advent yoga each week in December! You can find more information here.
I love Traci Smith and the books she writes for kids and families. I have used Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas through the years and just love it. It has simple, meaningful activities and prayers for families.
I have always loved the practice of reading picture books all year long, but particularly during Christmas & Advent. A few of my favorites: Night Tree by Eve Bunting, Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray, Christmas is Here by Lauren Castillo, All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss, Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones, and my kids love to listen to JRR Tolkien’s Letters From Father Christmas.
I’d love to hear what Advent & Christmas resource you love! How do you plan to posture yourself for the season?