Birth to Becoming
Happy December 1st! Advent is here! This time of year brings so many emotions. Let's pause by taking a minute to notice some of our emotions.
The spiritual practice of pausing, praying, and following.
PAUSE. Notice what is going on in you and around you.
Take a deep breath. Take a few. We all need more deep breaths this time of the year. Simply be still. Listen. Notice. Have no expectations. Try not to judge this time. Do this practice with a friend if you would like. Simply imagine Jesus with you. Just being together. Maybe you imagine what it was like the night of His birth. Maybe you want to ponder Him as a baby and His miraculous birth. However God leads you.
Take a few moments to reflect on this picture and read this poem. Circle anything that resonates with you. Maybe a word or phrase.
Birth to Becoming
In a moment, her life changed.
A new plan. A new path.
She paused. Oh, a holy pause.
"How could this be?", said sweet Mary.
Even the Mother of Jesus spoke her questions out loud.
She didn't hide her thoughts and feelings.
A deep desire to know the new plan and new path.
Yet, she was invited to listen. To receive.
"Don't be afraid," the angel said.
It was perfect timing. Her soul needed to hear this.
Details would come later. Stay tuned.
Let this Salvation Story unfold.
The angel first addressed her emotions of fear.
A gentle reminder for the new plan ahead.
Have courage. God is with you.
"You have found favor with God.
You will conceive a child in your womb.
You shall call Him, Jesus."
I wonder if she was still pondering the details.
How? When? Why? Where?
God is with you.
Immanuel!
It was time for the world to meet God in the flesh!
Incarnate One.
It's time to see His face.
This little one growing all along in Mary's womb and becoming.
Aren't we too, becoming?
From birth to becoming.
Isn't this the path for us too?
Birth to Becoming.
More and more like Christ.
More loving, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, and more self-control.
Let this new birth in me draw others to Christ.
For His Glory!
Christ, what are you birthing in me this Christmas?
Let us welcome you, baby Jesus, to birth in me what you desire.
And the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
Luke 1:30-33 ESV
PRAY. Remember, prayer is listening, talking, and being with God.
Take a few moments to listen. Lord, speak your servant is listening. Is there anything you want to say to me? Listen as long as you need. Is God birthing something in you?
Maybe you feel led to stay here or have a conversation with the Lord. Remember, God is with you. He is in you. He is around you. He is a loving and gentle Shepherd. He loves you and delights in you!
FOLLOW. Help me go where you go, Lord.
As you read the Scriptures and poem, what resonated with you?
What are you birthing in me, Christ? I will spend time listening.
As you prayed, did anything come to the surface? Do you feel any resistance?
Maybe spend 5 minutes every day in December in silence, in nature, simply listening, noticing and inviting Jesus to be with you. Whatever comes up in this time, be kind and gentle with yourself as Jesus is kind and gentle towards us. Silence brings things to the surface that we might not expect. Jesus is with you. Journal or jot down what happens in this time. It could be a word, or a phrase or maybe you write a few pages. The Holy Spirit is your guide. Make space for God to speak! What a beautiful way to spend December as you prepare for Christ's birth!
"You shall call his name Jesus." Jesus, I will call your name. Lead me and guide me. Help me see what you are birthing in me. Help me not to resist what you are inviting me into. I will leave the details to you. Help me remember this journey is about becoming. Becoming who you created me to be. My whole life, I am becoming. I will take one small step today towards where you're inviting me to follow you. Spend time writing and sharing with someone what God might be birthing in you. Feel freedom to explore and be curious with God as you dream!
LET'S CELEBRATE!
I'd love for you to join me as we reflect on the birth of Holy Pause and all God did and continues to do through Holy Pause. I am also beyond excited to share the upcoming offerings in 2025!!! I have taken this month to pause, discern and pray. I can't wait for you to be a part too in 2025!
Upcoming Retreats for 2025!
Check out 2025 retreats and sign up at https://www.holypause.com/about-5 All retreats are open to men and women EXCEPT the overnight retreat! Invite your life group, team at work, or a few friends.
Check out two new Discernment Groups starting in January! https://www.holypause.com/discernment-groups
If you are interested in time one-on-one, I would love to chat with you about spiritual direction. Feel free to reach out if you have never heard of spiritual direction. I love meeting with people and sharing how this gift was transformative in my own life to a deeper journey with Christ. Now, I find joy in offering this gift to others. https://www.holypause.com/learn-more
I invite you to pray about joining us for one of the offerings. I would love to see you there and invite a friend. Reach out with any questions. There is a transformation happening in these communities. When we come together to share and reflect, it is a beautiful time for the body of Christ to gather to be seen, valued, and loved and grow deeper into discovering more about God, Jesus, others, and ourselves. Invite others to join you in participating in an offering next year.
THANK YOU!!!! I want to personally thank you if you have been a part of a retreat, group, or one-on-one spiritual direction in 2024. I will be eternally grateful for your participation! I have watched God do a work in you and am excited about what God has planned for 2025. Don't miss being a part!
I pray that you and your family have the best Christmas ever! Look for God in all things even in difficult places. Welcome Him as He welcomes you!
Merry Christmas, friends.
Grace upon Grace,
Tracie Tackett
Spiritual Director
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