In the fullness of life we can experience the many nuances of love. The Ancient Greek’s were able to distinguish the various facets of love imbued in the words; xenia, philia. storge, eros and agape.

Xenia is the word that describes hospitality, a friendship that is formed between a guest and their host. I experienced a profound hospitality when I visited Ireland, known as the land of a 1000 welcomes. In every encounter, I was welcomed, not as a stranger but as a friend offering my gratitude as repayment.

Philia is the love of friends and represents a loyalty to one friends, family and community based on a mutually beneficial relationship that is fair, equitable and based on trust.

Eros embodies passion and romance with the sensual qualities of longing and ecstatic desire that accompanies falling in love. Over time this love may evolve into a true appreciation of the beauty within one’s lover and a deeper appreciation of beauty for beauty’s sake. Here the soul recalls the wisdom of Beauty, which informs spiritual truth.

Storge emulates the incredibly powerful bond of parental love and affection for one's child.

Agape is unconditional love through the grace of God; a love that is not earned but rather bestowed as our true inheritance. We are born of love, we return to love, and to live love is our defining purpose.

Soon we will celebrate divine love in human form with the birth of Jesus, the Christ child. In this season of Advent may we remember the miracle of love, which is passed on to us through the ages.

 Just as a mother with her own life
Protects her child, her only child, from harm,
So within yourself let grow
A boundless love for all creatures.

Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.

Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth.

Buddha Discourse on Goodwill, from the Metta Sutta

Five Ages Dancing: Remembering Sage Cowells

My Christmas greeting to you

With Love,

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Watercolor Mandala by ~liz

Note: Source for Greek words for love, Wikepedia