As we await the Holy Night, I sit and take in the nativity set given to me by my mother, piece by piece, over a series of Christmases. This display is what I ponder during advent.

I recall, the nativity that we set out as children. My mom hand-painted the set, slightly larger than mine pictured. Each piece is detailed with rich, glossy color. I remember setting it up as the last and most important part of our Christmas decorating. It was fragile and special.

As I ponder this instilled story – God sending a Savior to live on earth among us, to teach us, to guide and comfort us — I realize the story is about our Creator’s unimaginable love for us. The best we can do with this gift is to love ourselves.

Some of you will be surrounded at a table with family and friends. Some of you are lonely this season surrounded by grief and hardship. Regardless, God loves all of us in our brokenness and in our gladness. He wants for us to feel His love for us.

With the power of the Holy Spirit, let us give ourselves some grace. Choose peace this upcoming Holy Night and bring kindness to your heart. Thank yourself for the work you are doing leading up to this celebration. Think of all the tasks you completed whether you sent Christmas cards or not. Love all of you – the magnificent, the rough edges, and the stuff in between.

On the Holy Night, Mary welcomed Jesus in her arms. This year as we remember that occasion with reverence, let us take that love we have received and give it to ourselves. Let us live in grace.