The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

Every year I decorate the outside of our home and garage with Christmas lights. This year, I did this several weeks ago when the weather was warmer. We do not turn on the lights until after Thanksgiving though. 

It is always such a mystery to me that after I untangle the lights, test them to see if the bulbs still work, replace the burned-out bulbs, hang the lights on the edge of the roof, and finally turn the lights on, to find a few of the lights no longer are working. I ask myself each year how this can be since the lights were working when I tested them. 

This year one of the light timers that turn on the lights also did not work when I turned the lights on despite working when tested on installation.

This experience can be frustrating but did not seem to bother me this year as I realize all of this is part of the process of achieving the desired result of having a festive Christmas setting.

How many times do each of us try to untangle the messiness and busyness of daily routines. We know when we streamline things and concentrate on what’s important, we find peace. More importantly we find time to cherish more what is important, our relationships with each other and with our loving God.

My prayer for all of us this Advent season is that we do find this simplicity as we await the celebration of the birth of our loving Jesus on Christmas Day. In doing this, we will find the peace we all look for during this holy season of Advent.  In addition we may also find that we can be a light to others who may be struggling with the pressure of doing so many things that they miss the true meaning of Christmas.

By Deacon Tom Gryzbek