Finding Hygge with Jesus

Written by Julie McPhail, the Communications Director

Here we are in the “blah” zone of winter. All the sparkle and anticipation of Christmas has faded, and it feels like all we’re left with is the dreariness of white skies that slip into darkness all too quickly. Yep, it can be quite depressing this time of year. And if the darkness seems to swallow you whole or the cloud of depression settles on you and just won’t lift, please talk to your doctor. But most of the time, we have a choice. We can let the “blahs” become our companion, withdrawing into dark corners lit by the blue glow of screens and marinate in our melancholy, or we can intentionally create rhythms of warmth to find comfort and joy even in the coldest of days.

Hygge (pronounced “hooga”) is a Danish cultural practice all about “taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures.” These quiet pleasures could look like lighting some candles, sitting around a crackling fire, curling up with a blanket and a good book, enjoying a hot drink, or lingering over a meal. It's about how to thrive in the cold, dark season; something Danes have figured out how to do really well.

This got me thinking: what would it look like to practice hygge this winter that not only brings warmth to the mind and body, but also benefits our souls? Is it possible to find hygge with Jesus?

If I think about this concept and how it intersects with the way of Jesus, there are few overlaps I notice. First, if you read through the accounts of the life of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you’ll notice a pattern. Jesus would often retreat from the rush of the crowds or after a busy stretch of ministry to spend time alone in prayer, reconnecting with his Heavenly Father and maybe a few of his closest disciples (Mark 1:35, Mark 6:31-32, Luke 5:15-16).

What does this have to do with surviving winter, you ask? Well, this practice wasn’t about creating a “cozy vibe” or relaxing per se, but Jesus was very intentional about creating space and time to slow down and recharge. Recharging for him looked like prayer, and getting away to a quiet place. Maybe for you, this looks like creating an inviting space and rhythm for you at home to slow down and spend some time in prayer every day this winter. Make it cozy; light a candle, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee to sip in silence and throw a warm blanket over your lap while you practice listening to God. Maybe starting a prayer journal will become part of your rhythm with Jesus this winter. In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about going to your room and closing the door to pray; no need for anything fancy. It’s about creating an intimate space to get alone in prayer. 

But solitude and prayer weren’t the only strategies Jesus had for slowing down. Secondly (and a bit in contrast), Jesus also got away from the daily rush of teaching and healing to recline at a table and linger over a meal in community in smaller, more intimate settings (Matthew 9:10, Matthew 26:7, John 13:12). Eating in those days wasn’t a drive-thru, eat-on-the-run afterthought or mindless act. Meals were slow, relaxed, intentional, and meant for connecting with those around the table (and I bet by the warm glow of an oil lamp, too). 

As counter-cultural and scary as it is for us to invite people over, getting into the practice of hosting even a simple, cozy meal of soup and grilled cheese once in a while with friends could create a beautiful sense of community for you this winter. Have someone over, and choose to linger at the table: pull out a deck of cards or a board game after the meal (checkers, anyone?), put the coffee on, and chat about what you’ve been reading in the Bible lately. Ask how each other is doing over some warmed apple pie that you picked up from the grocery store. To heck with the pressure of perfect hosting. Choose a relaxed experience instead, one that’s not rushed and simply focussed on creating a sense of warmth and connection. This is the Jesus Way (to borrow a term from John Mark Comer).

So, for the next two months, as we wait for the daylight to lengthen and the warmth of the sun to return, maybe we could try finding hygge with Jesus. Let’s embrace the slowness of the season, allowing ourselves to move a little slower, but with intention. Let’s take time away from the rush (and dreariness) to create cozy pockets of prayer and solitude, and make time around the table with others to bring warmth not only to our stomachs but to our souls. Both practices will help shift our hearts away from our inward “blahs” so we’re focussing more upwards and outwards in communion with Jesus and others this season.

If you’re reading this and feel unsure where to start, here’s my advice: lean into the Week of Prayer + Fasting with us here at FAC (January 12-16). Let it guide you into a rhythm with Jesus this winter as you spend time in guided Bible reading and prayer. And if having people over to your place just isn’t possible for you right now, try Alpha. It’s a series of free evening sessions on Thursday nights starting at the end of January that include a hot meal, and it’s designed to be a welcoming space to connect with others at FAC, ask questions, and have open conversations around your table about faith. Sounds like hygge to me!

When the winter blahs come knocking at your door (and they will), please don’t withdraw from the world. Enjoy your Netflix and snacks, but I hope you also choose to slow down and create rhythms around Jesus, and let FAC be a place where you feel the warmth of community this winter. Hang in there; spring will come, I promise.