When the World Stands Still

Snow has hit Seattle and not in a small way.  No, not small at all, for I am looking out my window at an entire foot of snow covering every surface.  The snow has been building up for a week now and the more that piles up, the quieter the city becomes.  At night, there are not cars speeding up and down the streets.  Instead, there are couples out walking their dogs and children inside drinking their hot chocolate.  I personally found myself sitting on the couch, curled up in a blanket and reading.  I, of course, didn't get very much reading done, but instead found myself staring out the window at the world around me that has been moving at a much slower pace.

The snow has forced us all into a much simpler lifestyle.  We are walking to where we need to be, we are spending time together when we would normally be running around town and we are forced away from malls and and the holiday stress that they cause.  What a blessing to be able to live in peace during this season and to be at enough peace to remember the true meaning that this holiday brings.  

Our Sunday church service was one that I will remember forever.  I trudged through the snow for a mile with my pastor father and we arrived at church very early to see if anyone was there.  No worship team showed up, no advent readers, no one to prepare the service as usual.  It was a Sunday for improvising and dad went to the shiny grand piano and began to play Christmas carols the way he often does at home.  A long time family friend sang along with him and it was worship where the meaning of the song lyrics resounded quite clearly in our heads.  What made the service even more beautiful was staring out the wall of windows in our new building and watching the snow fall freely.  The usually bustling street was quiet and all you could hear was the sound of our own voices.  This is what Christmas should be about: Coming together with our family and friends with nothing standing in the way of it.

 

When I moved out of my dorm a week ago, I was sad to leave it, but there is nowhere else in the world that I would rather be right now than in the comfort of my true home.  Here in my seat by the window, I am able to watch the passers by and watch their happiness.  I was sick the entire week and the snow cancelled work all week, so I was forced in this position, but I am so thankful for it.  Yes, I've lost my voice and no, I didn't earn any money this week, but I have been able to slow my life down for an entire week.  

Now, as the rain begins to defeat the snow and it will all melt away soon enough, I will remember the peace that it brought.  I will keep this peace of mind throughout the rest of the holiday and not forget that it is about Christ and the love that he brought us two thousand years ago.  

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:14