Each year between Christmas and New Year's we set aside a whole day for a family retreat. We've been doing this for at least a dozen years. When our sons were school-age, the day was loosely structured with prayer, good conversation, a bit of house cleaning, writing thank-you letters, plenty of food, and culminated in an evening of game playing. Now that our sons are young adults, the structure remains much the same, though house cleaning and thank-you letters are no longer part of the day.

Our conversation and prayer are always centered on a personal review of the year just past, and looking ahead to the upcoming year. And of course, hinged between the two is the Christmas event: the Word of God come to dwell among us. Each one of us shares from the heart about the direction of our lives, while the rest of us try to discern the Holy Spirit's call (or "nudge") for that person. Over the years, the sharing has been profound, and more than once, the course of life direction has shifted for one or more of us. I would not be writing this column if it weren't for our family retreat two years ago when each member urged me to seek a new job.

The Christmas season is a good time for a retreat — whether personal, or with family, or with close friends. If your schedule does not allow time for a retreat, at least consider these two questions:

1. Did you celebrate Christmas? If so, how?
2. Have you made any New Year resolutions? If so, what are they?

Let's take the first question. In all your Christmas celebrating, did you notice — as in sit up and take note!–the real meaning of Christmas? I know, you've heard it a million times, but what if you (and all of us) took seriously the words of John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth."

In one sentence, that's the meaning and message of Christmas. The question is not so much do you believe it, but more importantly, how are you going to live it?

This leads to the second question: What are you New Year resolutions? Amid promises to exercise more, stay in touch with loved ones, be kind to those with whom we live, do any of your resolutions challenge you to live the Christmas story? What are you going to do this year to show that you truly believe that the Word of God has come to dwell among us?

Matt Maher wrote a song for the Christmas season called Love Has Come. His words recognize the power of the Christmas event, and challenge the listener to live that meaning and message the whole year. Check it out. The first verse and refrain offer a perfect prayer.

With one voice the angels sing
songs that make creation ring.
Prophets hear and call us to
live in spirit and in truth.

Word of God, enthroned,
dwell in us forevermore.
Love has come to show the way.
Hallelujah, peace be with us.
Love has come to show the way.

Link: God In Our Midst: New Year Beckons Us to Take Inventory

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.