by Rev. Elizabeth Rowley,
Spiritual Director
December 24, 2020
Remember, as a child, how thrilling Christmas Eve was? I remember being so totally excited and filled with anticipation for my good in the form of presents that I could hardly sleep that night. What if we were all to carry that same childlike joy, wonder, and awe into each night before bed, knowing how loved and cared for we are by our creator?
The winter solstice just occurred on December 21st, and winter is here. This year, we’ve faced inconceivable darkness, from lives lost due to the pandemic to civil unrest in appeal to the heart of humanity, for justice and equality for all.
American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader Howard Thurman wrote, “Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve. Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance. But I had forgotten.”
Remember the light, dear ones. Whether you are Christian, Judaist, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist, Jainist, Zoroastrianist, Paganist, or otherwise, the light always returns.
We also received the blessed gift this year on the night of the winter solstice with the spectacular sight of the star of Bethlehem. Let’s not forget the spectacular show of the Ursid meteor shower. It occurred to me that even the cosmos are shining brightly for us, reminding us the light always returns, showing off their glimmering hope for brighter days.
Having plunged the depths of darkness collectively and in our personal lives, it’s time we welcome in and celebrate the return of the light.
Whatever darkness you may have experienced this year or you are currently experiencing, please know that the light always returns, and it will shine brightly again within and all around you. It must.
On Christmas Day, while many commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, I invite you to consider what light is being born in you? Or, what light have you been nurturing or fanning the flame of, so to speak, to shine brighter? Maybe you’ve allowed your light to dim from a loss, transition, diagnosis, suffering, or something else. Consider this your permission to shine your light again. The world needs your light now more than ever.
Jesus of Nazareth was a mystic, a way-shower who showed us how to do for ourselves what he did for himself. At this time of year, as we contemplate the birth of the most Divine person, let us rededicate our hearts to the service of humanity. Be kind and loving to one another, shine your light, forgive, and have the faith of God.
Contemplate and give thanks for the many blessings in your life. Joyfully anticipate the multitude of gifts pouring into your life from the kingdom of heaven within, such as love, wisdom, beauty, joy, peace, harmony, wholeness, bliss, forgiveness, prosperity, faith, and more.
What light is being born in you today?
And so it is.
