Yes, you can do this at home, and you should. You will be beset by friends and neighbors with more words of good cheer than you can process, particularly if you are not feeling particularly cheery. You'll be invited to gatherings, some that you would rather avoid. You will be frantic about the tasks left uncompleted. Stop. Breath. Meditate.

"Oh Holy Night" is among the most cherished Christmas carols. The rousing first verse is well known, but Brian McLaren, in his Advent practice post, bids us to pay attention to the third.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name

Try using the text as the object for Lectio Divina, a slow contemplative way of praying, as this introduction from St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo explains.

First, read or listen to the verse (lectio). Ask whether there is a word of phrase that jumps out at you, grabs your attention.
Second, reflect on it (meditatio). Ruminate on the passage a bit. What is God saying to you?
Third, respond (oratio). Out loud is okay; so, too, is journaling or prayer.
Fourth, rest (contemplatio). Sit quietly for a few minutes, just letting your thoughts and meditation sink in.

Yes, you can do this at home. And should. Seriously.

While you are reflecting (meditatio), you might listen to this rendition from King’s College.

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Join us on line this or any Friday for Centering Prayer at 8 am Pacific Time. Drop me a line and I will send you a link: charlestaylorkerchner@gmail.com.

Photo by Calwaen Liew via Unsplash.