Jingle Bells

   Jingle Bells is a song about riding in a sleigh. It sounds like a merry time. Few of us have actually taken a ride in a sleigh pulled by a horse. I know I have not. However, I have seen some movies where people do take rides in sleighs pulled by horses. Many times those people enjoy the sights. They get to slow down, see the Christmas lights, see the snow, and cozy up with a blanket.

   Jingle Bells reminds us to slow down. You may be thinking “how does a song about loud bells help us remember to be silent and have solitude? I am up to my neck in Christmas crazy right now.” That’s the point. Around this time of the season many people are fed up with Christmas. That’s why, when we start to feel overwhelmed, we need to stop. We need to slow down, take some time for ourselves, and spend time with God.

   Matthew 6:6 says: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” This verse is hard for some of us to follow. It is especially difficult when we are very busy, like around Christmas. That’s why we may need to carve out time for just relaxing. If we don’t slow down and spend time with God, then we run the risk of burnout and hurting those we love.

   So, I encourage you to spend time in silence and solitude this week. Take some time to read the Bible. You could even refresh your memory on the Christmas story. Just make sure you take time for you and God so that you can be ready to face the Christmas crazy.

   Jingle Bells by Oh My Genius (video here).

   Image from here.