FROM THE PALANCA CHAIR "Authentic Joy At Christmas"

December is a month that can be especially exciting and stressful at the same time. For many reasons it can feel like there are just not enough hours in the day to pack in all that the Christmas season brings, and to feel joyful in the midst of it. It definitely is a time that we need to be mindful of the unseen things that can rob our joy.

Make no mistake - next to Easter, the Christmas season is my favorite. There are so many fun things to do that comes with this season. For example, seasonal events such as plays, concerts, and of course there are family and friend gatherings, oh, let’s not forget about Christmas shopping, and decorating. All of that is on top of our already scheduled obligations on our calendars such as work, meetings, various appointments etc. Ok I’m getting exhausted just thinking about it. Whew!

Remember the first Rollo you heard on your Via De Cristo weekend? Ideal. This was one of my favorite Rollos (though not at the time) because it made me stop and take a look at what my authentic ideals were. There were three questions that stuck like super glue in my head.

• What do I spend my spare time thinking about?

• What do I spend in my spare time doing?

• What do I spend my spare money on?

It was followed by the statement that the answer to those questions is where my authentic Ideals live. That was tough! It made me feel both guilty, and a need to evaluate all three questions personally. I knew I needed to make some adjustments on what mine were.

I still continue to ask myself those questions as I seek to keep my authentic Ideals in check. I am definitely a work in progress and God continues to work in my heart to keep those ideals authentic. I believe that especially this time of year we need to be intentional with all three of those questions as this Christmas season draws near.

So, what’s the solution? It is being intentional about what we are doing and why we are doing it. What works for me personally is recognizing that I can’t nor should I take in everything there is to do. While they all may be great, if I find myself caught up in nonstop activities, yet feeling stress as I do them, I deny myself the most important reason for the season. To simply take the time personally to be still and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

When Jesus walked the face of the earth, His focus was constant and He stood true to His authentic mission. He was balanced and intentional. He took time, to pray, to rest, to fellowship and to walk in peace. If we follow His example and make those things a priority, He will steady our hearts and provide us with His joy as we celebrate the reason for the season. None other than our precious Jesus.

As we embark upon this wonderful season, I encourage you to ask yourself the three questions from the Ideal Rollo before filling your calendar to the max. Stay focused and keep your hearts and minds on the authentic ideals of the Christmas season...Jesus.

Merry Christmas everyone!

God loves you and so do I!

Nancy Walk

Palanca Chair LVCCM