The Christmas Presence by Rev. Lane Williams
As we prepare for this holiday season with all the decorations, the parties, the feasting and gift-giving, we often get so caught up in the outer activities that we miss out on the true gift of Christmas, the Spiritual Promise of rebirth and renewal. Here in the Northern Hemisphere we celebrate Jesus’ birth during the darkest, coldest time of the year, when all of nature has become dormant. It seems paradoxical that this heightened activity, this celebration of light, joy, love and hope should come during this time when all we really want to do is shut down and hibernate until spring. And this year in particular when the newscasters tell us that economic times are difficult, that people are not going to be spending as they usually do, and that things will get worse before they get better, it may be easier to just hunker down and wait it out. Shall we just postpone Christmas and all its hoopla ’til times get better? No of course not. For these outer circumstances make perfect fodder for a clear demonstration of the miracle of what Jesus’ birth and more importantly his life offer us.
The spiritual gift of Christmas is the promise of new life in the midst of darkness. We have the opportunity, the choice to consciously live our lives from our inner light, from the Christ light that shines from within. We get to have our lives be inner directed, rather than pushed and pulled about by the ups and downs of the outer world. We are to take in this magical gift and use it to light up our lives.
Jesus taught us many useful things over the course of his short life. This is how we are renewed, reborn in Christ. We are to use Jesus teachings daily not just during this celebration of his birth. He taught us to:
Have faith in God. You will be provided for, for aren’t the birds of the sky and the lilies of the field nourished and clothed?
Affirmation: I have faith in God. I am abundantly blessed.
Be kind to one another. Forgive as many times as it takes. Love your enemies. Bless those who spitefully use, persecute, and curse you. Reach out and help one another. Love each other and follow the Golden Rule.
Don’t condemn others and you won’t be condemned. Before you try to get the speck out of your brother’s eye, remove the log from your own.
Affirmation: I radiate peace to everyone I meet today.
Stay prayed up. Take yourself away, go within and connect with Spirit. Listen and follow your inner guidance. God is always available. The Kingdom of God is at hand. The Kingdom of God is within.
Affirmation: In prayer I release everything to God and find rest for my soul.
Know the truth that you are a perfect expression of God, made in the image of God. Perfect health is your birthright. Know this and you will take up your bed and walk. Know this and all your inner demons will be dispelled.
Affirmation: God is my source of health and vitality. I am strong.
And finally Jesus reminded us that he gave us peace, but not as the world gives. We are to have life and have it abundantly. He spoke those words that his joy might be in us and that our joy would be full. We are the light of the world.
Affirmation: I give glory to God as I create a life of boundless joy.
So Merry Christmas, dear ones. Jesus loves you. Celebrate!
