As Christmas draws near, we can prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ, of Love in our midst. As a people of various cultures, faiths and family traditions, we enjoy partaking in the holiday festivities.
No one can deny that this is a busy time of year. Ah, the twinkling lights, and Christmas Carols, the fun of decorating gingerbread houses and a most magical tradition of all, setting a tree in the center of one’s home. We pull out dusty ornament boxes to adorn her pine scented branches. Nostalgia builds as we carefully unwrap each trinket that holds a precious memory. A baby’s first Christmas, handmade treasures, some antique baubles from our grandparent’s, parents, and a few new gifting’s with each passing year. The enjoyment of gatherings with special friends, family dinners, and the excitement of dressing in our holiday finest. We shop for that distinctive gift and all the extra special efforts that go into to spreading some holiday cheer.
Yet, beneath all the flurry of activities lies the poignancy of life’s fleeting nature. Living in awareness, we need to make space for all of life; joy and sorrow, fullness and loss, for loved ones present and for those we are missing, for our many gifts as we remember those less fortunate, for peace amid turmoil. In this way, we can appreciate the present moment with gratefulness.
Let us approach each other with peace in our hearts and with a sensitivity that this season is not all about cheer as much as an invitation to soften to all that is with kindness and love.
Namaste is a Hindu greeting that expresses a beautiful truth: I honor the place in you where the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love and truth, of light and peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.
Liz Soresen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz
Journal of Sacred Work 
Leave a reply to Jolyon Cancel reply