by torahgirl

Peace amid chaos.

That’s what I keep coming back to this season. You know, I used to love the chaos. I used to revel in the “Christmas Spirit” of gifts and parties. I sense the difference in my heart this year, total indifference to what is happening in the world of commerce. Holiday spending is up 3% this year, I heard today… but that statistic doesn’t include me. Life continues peacefully {well… as peaceful as can be when one is getting married in 2 months} {grin} yet the world “outside” seems like it’s spinning out of control, with frantic last-minute shopping, holiday baking, travel, etc.

I don’t mean we should do nothing in December. It’s important to establish traditions that are Biblically meaningful. My fiancé and I find ourselves with the perfect opportunity to redefine our observance of holidays like Chanukah next year as a married couple. Even beyond this, we find ourselves with the incredible opportunity to raise children who have no background of the pagan influences that have crept into Christmas. For this we are humbled and grateful.

My mother pointed out how appropriate it is that Christmas should fall on Shabbat, as it does this year. There is no question where our attention is. According to the world’s calendar, tonight is Christmas Eve, but we know it to be Erev Shabbat, the start of the holy Sabbath day. Tomorrow is Shabbat, first and foremost of the moedim. It is the first time we have held a community Shacharit service on December 25! Baruch HaShem for the families who will be here to fellowship and worship with us… what a blessing to be surrounded by encouragement and support as we practice our faith both corporately and individually.

Tonight we are lighting the Shabbat candles and discussing the Torah portion. Tomorrow we will pray, read, talk, learn, share, and rest. We have peace amid chaos.

I like this conclusion from Wild Olive Shoot:

I did not come lightly to the realization that I needed to change a few things- that some things to which I’d grown accustomed, YHVH, in fact, detested. I am admittedly a bit sad this year, for the changing of traditions, for the fact it saddens others around me. Oh, how I wish we had not inherited futile, useless customs! I am trying my best to follow YHVH’s leading on this and pray for His guidance as each situation arises. There is a time for everything. There will be a time to speak and a time to be quiet, a time to participate and a time to stay away. And there will be a time to celebrate! YHVH gives us wonderful Feast days, all His appointed times, His prophetic messages… May YHVH light your way as you walk the narrow path.

=)