As Christmas draws near, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ; of Love in our midst.
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 the most magical tradition of setting a live tree in the center of one’s home. We pull out dusty ornament boxes to adorn her branches. Nostalgia builds as we carefully unwrap each trinket that holds a memory of its own. A baby’s first Christmas, handmade treasures, some antique 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 for the parties, shopping for that distinctive gift and all the special efforts that go into to spreading some cheer.
Yet, beneath all the flurry of activities lies the poignancy of life’s fleeting nature. Living in this awareness we need to make space for all of life; joy and sorrows, fullness and loss, for loved ones present and for those we are missing, for our many gifts and for less fortunate times, for peace and the turmoil. In this way we appreciate the present moment with renewed gratefulness.
Let us approach each other with the reverence of an open mind and heart and with sensitivity that this season is not all about cheer as much as it is about inviting in and welcoming all that is with love.
Sending Christmas blessings to you; may you experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Christmas Mandala by ~liz