Every year, I watch as Christmas decorations go up earlier and earlier, to coax people into shopping. "Black Friday" is the day when many people push and shove their way into stores looking for bargains. The health of the economy is indicated by how much people spend on that one day.
Where is the true meaning in this holiday? Where is the love? Is love about buying the most expensive gift and spending the most money?
And what about the Christmas of our soul? The inner Christmas? When do we celebrate that? And how?
There are 12 days that are perfect for this sacred celebration of the soul, according to Lynn Jericho who produced a short movie called "The Inner Christmas". Starting on December 25 and ending on January 6, this is the time of celebrating and connecting with our purpose and sacredness.
What always strikes me, as I look at pictures of trees covered with snow, is that the trees are in a period of dormancy and rest. They are not in their growth mode at this time of year. They are not busy putting forth leaves, berries, flowers, or other manifestations. They pull into themselves and stand--most of them naked, with no leaves--and rest.
Perhaps we can learn from the trees to take time to have a period of rest, introspection and focus on what is going on within us. To breathe in and feel the warm breath of spirit, to feel our heart beating in our chest, and to know that there is something within us that is profound and awesome.
This time of inner Christmas can be the perfect opportunity to recognize how far we have come in our spiritual journey, our awakening to the truth of our being. To celebrate the growth of our soul and the wonder of how beautifully created we are.
Take a few moments and watch this beautiful movie (about three minutes long) created by Lynn Jericho. It may be the perfect time for you to pause and reflect on the holiday season,the meaning it has for you and the sacred gift that you have already been given.
Here is the link: http://www.theinner christmasmovie. com/
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Comments: 7
I found myself thinking about prayer; how much easier prayer is for me in the winter months than when the morning sun calls my attention.
I thought about how Christians so wisely chose December 25 to celebrate Christ's birth...not because they knew that to accurately be the date, but because the winter solstice has always provided the best circumstance for clarity during inner reflection.
And too, I thought about what the message of the film may have missed; that... for me... truth derived from reflection can only be acquired when I consider something outside of me; a greater good; God incarnate; and how I must best respond to that truth.
As I said, thought provoking stuff. Thanks again.