A Quest for a more meaningful Advent celebration this year prompted a welcome change with encouraging results. The reflective nature of Advent draws me in every year, inviting me linger with the Greatest Story Ever Told. Combining mindful scripture reading with traditional carols resulted in a Christmas mindfulness mosaic adding layers of meaning to my holiday quiet times.
Welcome to Mindfulness Monday! Where we learn some easy ways to be more present “in the moment” at our jobs, in our homes, with our families and friends.
Learning to recognize God and what He has for us in each divine moment He offers. We acknowledge the belief that God is with us always.
We confess His presence is available to us, lifting our spirit and helping us with power and grace. Learning the art of “stillness” so we can hear His voice and view ourselves, others and our surroundings through His eyes.
christmas mindfulness
While Advent observations tend towards a reflective discipline, nothing about “Christmas” seems inclined towards the slower, reflective pace of mindfulness. Sadly, the pull of events, gift buying and wrapping, baking, preparations, all keep us from enjoying the “present” moment.
With minds focused on future outcomes of our efforts, we often miss the joy of the present.
But even more than missing the joy of the present moment, we miss the impact of the Christmas Story on our lives today.
My heart delights in reading the Christmas story in the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, along with Old Testament prophecies. But this year my heart longed for more; a desire for knowing Christ more deeply within the Christmas story.
A Christmas journey through scripture
As my mind focused on the familiar passages, my ears caught the notes of an obscure Christmas carol. “The Truth Sent From Above” is an old English traditional carol of unknown origin, seldom heard, but speaks of the promise of a redeemer made in the Garden of Eden.
After listening to the carol and reading the words, I headed back to the book of Genesis and read selected scripture passages from creation to the birth of Christ creating a fuller picture of the Godhead’s magnificent plan of redemption.
A Christmas Mindfulness Mosaic
Inspired by my scripture readings, I pondered the significance of the old carol which pointed me back to the Garden of Eden for my Redeemer’s first mention. I began a new journey, this time through traditional and some not so traditional Christmas carols.
My heart overflowed with joy, as the scripture basis for many of the beloved carols escorted me further into the Christmas story.
Thrilled with my “new” discovery, I delight in sharing my Christmas mindfulness mosaic with you! Outlined over ten days, I include a scripture meditation and corresponding Christmas carol for infusing the JOY of Christmas into your day.
a mindful mosaic
Add the following scripture and carol meditations to your daily quiet times, or set aside another time during the day or maybe in the evening for enjoying them. I strongly recommend securing a quiet, distraction free place and a few moments of transition before engaging with the scripture.
I suggest reading the words to the carols listed and meditating upon them in combination with the scripture passage. I found this incredibly fulfilling. Then closing your time listening to your favorite rendition of the carol.
Taking time for a Mindful Check-in during this season of flurried activity will enhance your time. Or simply sit quietly a moment or two, while practicing slow, deep breathing: keep your exhale twice as long as your inhale. Then transition to a brief time of prayer inviting God into your space and into your heart.
Day 1
God announces the redeemer’s coming in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8-15.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
The Truth From Above
Day 2
God promises Abraham his seed will be multiplied as the sand on the seashore and all nations will be blessed through him. Genesis 22:15-18
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth
Day 3
The prophecy of Christ the Messiah foretold by Isaiah. Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2-7
I Saw Three Ships
The Holly and the Ivy
Day 4
The Messiah’s Peace to all men foretold. Isaiah 11:1-9
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Day 5
The Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem foretold. Micah 5:2-4
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, of Noblest Cities
Day 6
The Angel Gabriel visits Mary. Luke 1:26-38
Gabriel’s Message
A Virgin Most Pure
Day 7
The Messiah is born! Matthew 1:18-23
Joy to the World!
O Holy Night
Day 8
The Shepherds receive glad tidings of great joy. Luke 2:8-16
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
While Shepherds Watched
See, Amid the Winter’s Snow
Day 9
The Wise Men follow the Star. Matthew 2:1-11
Unto Us is Born a Son
As With Gladness Men of Old
Day 10
Jesus, the great mystery of the incarnation. John 1:1-18
O Come All Ye Faithful
In the Bleak Mid-Winter
Lingering with christ at christmas
May your time with my Christmas mindfulness mosaic enrich your reflections and remembrance of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Restoring and renewing the joy, wonder and peace of that night so long ago in your hearts this Christmas season.
My Christmas prayer for you whispers, “As you linger with Jesus during the days of Christmas, may you see Him more clearly, know Him more intimately and embrace Him more fully.”
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I love this! Thanks for laying out another way to steep in the JOY of the season. Now I will be humming many of those carols as I move through my day. 🙂
Lisa, I rejoice that you found this post such a delight! may God bless your time with Him throughout your day!
Donna, I like that your meditations involved song. I am apt to forget the power of song on focusing our minds. One advent offering this year (by someone I cannot remember) offered a link to a song each day to go along with a verse.
Theresa, I rejoice that you found this mindfulness mosaic helpful! I love adding song to scripture reading. What a great idea to send a link with a song to go with the verse. I thought of doing that within the post, but then feared it might make it too long!
I love the Christmas prayer-thank you!
Thank you Jan, Christmas blessings and JOY to you!!
A beautiful tribute! A great plan of mindfulness and focus for this advent season!
Thank you Melinda for stopping by to read my post! I truly appreciate your words of encouragement and rejoice that you found this post helpful!