FROM THE PASTOR

Cozy in Christ

Hygge (pronounces Hue-guh) is a Danish concept that cannot be easily described in one English word but encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment through enjoying the simple things in life. If you’ve ever sat and simply watched it snow while you read a book or sipped from a warm mug, you’ve experienced hygee without even knowing it.  If I had to put the concept of hygge into one English word, I would probably use cozy.

This national obsession with all things cozy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world’s happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters. And recently, the rest of the world has begun to catch on to this wonderful way of life.

So how does one go about creating hygge space? Things like candles or relaxing scents. No wonder candle sales are a huge gift giving item at Christmas leading into a long winter! It’s fireplaces and cozy blankets. It’s people. It’s homemade sweets, or winter comfort foods and a warm drink. It’s board games, puzzles, cards or that book you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t had the time. It’s about people gathered in small groups for a deeper connection. It’s allowing yourself to be. It’s about simple.  It’s a deep appreciation for the simple things that bring joy to your life.  It’s feeling cozy inside and out but also spiritually.

As we move into the stillness of the winter months in the aftermath of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, where is it that we can seek coziness of hygge for our spirit? As Epiphany has come and wisemen finally reached the house where the child was, I wonder if what they experienced when they arrived was a feeling of cozy contentment as they reveled in the miracle that is Christ. When they laid their gifts before the child, was there tea and a comfort meal after their long journey? Was there a soft bed and comforting conversation? Was there prayer? Was there a retelling of their experiences of God and their call to this place? Was their scripture?

How about our own hygge? How can we find that cozy contentment that we long to feel during holidays that turned into “work?” Where do we pursue cozy this winter season in terms of our faith?  I invite you to seek out moments of simple joy that bring you closer to your treasured people but also closer to Christ. Can doing the work to become closer to Christ really feel like being spiritually cozy? I wonder…