Broken Hearts are Roomier

Then it was that, broken in spirit, he began to lose much of his arrogance and to come to his senses…    2 Maccabees 9:11a

Don’t look now, but Christmas time is here. The season that is supposed to be about new birth, fresh starts, hope, peace, love, and joy too often manifests differently. At least it does if we are not intentional about keeping the annual Christmas chaos at bay. What often happens to me is I give in to the pressures of buying gifts, decorating the house, and attending every party possible. These should be joyful activities; but when overdone, they become burdensome. Before long, the stress of unmet expectations has me exhausted, miserable, and ready for the season to be over – often before it has truly begun. There is not room in my life for the Christmas clutter and for preparing my heart to receive the Christ child. I do poorly trying to do both, so I feel it best to choose one and let the other have whatever space remains. Granted, with two grown children, it is easier to choose the Christ child than it was some years ago.

The problem originates in the limits on our time, money, and heart-space. We can only fit so much into our days, only spend so many dollars, and only give so much of ourselves. At some point, there is no more space in our schedule, our budget, or our heart. When we reach that point, something must break, and I suggest it be our hearts. I am not recommending a literal breaking of the heart itself, but a breaking – a reassessment – of what we consider of primary importance in this season. Our heart, in this metaphor, represents our highest priorities. Why should we be upset if we do not meet someone else’s unreasonable expectation? Is that really our problem? Why would we place similar expectations upon ourselves? When we break something unnecessary out of our heart space, we immediately make room for something else. We must be careful, however, that we do not choose another shallow, poorly screened lover for that now-open space. Being discerning is appropriate whenever we allow something inside of us.

I do not know anyone who claims to have ample time for self-reflection and study of the deeper meanings of Christmas and the impact the season should have on us. When we break our hearts away from unrealistic and unproductive pressures, I suggest filling that space with prayer and meditation. My new book, Uncovering God in Christmas, is intended to help (see details below). In her song Coming Around Again, Carly Simon sings: “So don’t mind if I fall apart, there’s more room in a broken heart.” Open a space for the Christ child this season. Allow that Holy Presence to change you from within by making room for the new birth. It will be the best gift you receive this Christmas!

Come home to church this Sunday. Fall apart, come broken, and come back to Christmas.