Merry & Bright: Rediscover the Peace of AdventSample

Just Breathe

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4, NLT).

My daughter Jasmine has been dancing competitively for several years, but this was the first year she’d compete with a solo. As I watched her take the stage, I was nervous but excited for her.

She danced beautifully, but I observed she seemed a little off partway through the performance. No one else seemed to notice, but being her mom, I knew something wasn’t quite right.

As we watched the judge’s comments and critiques a few days later, I looked at Jazz. “Honey, it seems like most of what they’re commenting on comes down to your breath. Because I’ve seen you do this dance so many times in the studio, it looks like you forgot to breathe here.”

“Yeah,” Jasmine agreed. “I was just so nervous.”

“It’s understandable,” I reassured her. “It was your first time; I just think many of their critiques would go away if you simply remembered to breathe.”

She nodded in agreement. “I know. Next time, I’ll breathe more deeply.”

Later on, I thought about how often I can go through life, especially during the Christmas season, tense, nervous, holding my breath. And how, just like in Jasmine’s performance, that can restrict the joy I can find in this season. Because if I’m walking through my days tense and anxious, I’ll miss all that God has for me, especially the time with him and loved ones during Advent.

I’m thankful that it is the breath of the Almighty that gives us life. If we remember this, we are free—free to breathe deeply, have peace, and fully embrace all that lies ahead. We needn’t worry; God is there. He is near as we walk through the joyful times and the more stressful moments of the Christmas season. Above all, he wants us to experience his love and peace this month (and always). Breathe deeply knowing that you are loved.

Question to Ponder: Have you been holding your breath this holiday season? Even in all the fun of the season, we can still feel stress. Be aware of your breath today and when you may be holding it instead of breathing deeply. When you realize you are tense, imagine God breathing into your being and take a few deep breaths, thanking him again for the peace he gives us.