Mrs. Mulvanerty's Update
August 18, 2024
December 7, 2025
Dear SKS,
When my kids were little, I found this little magnet in Whole Foods one day, and I always kept it in the kitchen because I loved it so much. It read, "Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." What a great thing -- to be calm in your heart.
I think that's the kind of peace that Mary and Joseph must have had. After all, the time around Jesus's birth was anything but quiet and simple. Think about the chaos they faced:
An unexpected, miraculous pregnancy
No room in the inn—they be considered homeless for that night!
And later, they would face the threat of King Herod, who was intent on destroying the newborn baby Jesus
Yet, despite this profound worldly stress, we're told that when Jesus was born, "all was calm, all was bright." The miracle of Christ's arrival brought an inexplicable, heavenly peace right into the middle of their messy reality.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, I KNOW your homes are anything but the quiet and calm. You have elves to contend with, homes to decorate, gifts to buy and wrap, and gatherings to plan. Your to-do lists (and mine!) feel endless. The stores and streets are filled with people and traffic, and it can be hard not to feel a little overwhelmed.
This week at Mass, we lit the second candle of the Advent wreath: the Candle of Peace. It reminds us to take a minute in the chaos of the season and remember what is most important: Jesus is here for you, always ready to fill you with rest, with peace, and with joy— EVEN IN THE CHAOS. It doesn't require a silent house or an empty calendar. It only requires a moment of pause....even if you’re wrapping gifts with one hand and stirring hot chocolate with the other!
Here are a few things to try:
The Five-Minute Pause: Before you start your day, just before lunch, or anytime you can get it, set a timer for five minutes. Sit in your favorite chair, close your eyes, and simply pray, "Jesus, I welcome your peace." Don't try to solve a problem; just breathe and rest.
A Playlist of Peace: Curate a short playlist of three or four of your favorite calming Christmas hymns or contemporary worship songs. Put them on repeat while you are baking, driving, or wrapping. Let the music set a peaceful atmosphere.
"Help me Feel Peace" Prayer: When you feel a wave of anxiety hit (traffic, a tough deadline, a forgotten item), immediately whisper, "Lord, help me feel your peace." Keep your focus only on the next few minutes, not the whole daunting list.
Look for the Light: Take a moment to truly appreciate the Christmas lights you've put up or see in all over town or visit our GORGEOUS grotto! Remember that these lights symbolize Jesus, the Light of the World, who came to shatter the darkness of our stress and fear.
Try this Gaelic Prayer -- a Mulvanerty Favorite:
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace of Christ,
of Christ the light of the world to you.
Deep peace of Christ to you.
This week, let’s intentionally light the Candle of Peace in our hearts, choosing calm, not by avoiding the chaos of the season, but by inviting Jesus's presence into the very center of it.
G.B.Y.*,
Mrs. Mulvanerty
* God Bless You!
