The Gift of Love
The traditional Christmas story celebrated this week, is about the coming of Jesus the Christ. The story has been interpreted many ways; one way is that he was the bringer of Love-to release people from the law of the human, and to teach them how to love and forgive. The last 2,000 plus years people have been seeking Him, and many other teachers, experiences, and methods for Love. We can look at the world results and see that something is clearly missing.
This week has been one of challenges for me personally. An illness, a trauma to my Beloved- and for that matter this year has brought new opportunities to stretch myself. The loss of my only sister, my loving pet companion-all the stuff of life and all carrying a challenge for me. In each and every one, there has been Love. Love coming from friends, from supporters, from community, from strangers. I went to a craft fair Thanksgiving weekend and one of the vendors GAVE me an angel bell to remind me of my sister. If I was watching closely, Love was abundantly available, present and infinite.
Jesus was a great teacher for the world but he did not give us Love. The Love came with us, it has always been part of us -waiting to appear in its many forms. Realizing Love was part of who I am and part of who everyone is, allowed me to see it- acknowledge it-receive its blessings and give it away. I wish the word has not been so overused and underutilized as I hate to see eyes rolling at yet another blog on Love. And it is the important message always. You are Love – it can never be separate from you – it isn’t something to acquire or search for – or hope for – or feel like you are missing it. It can’t be found in gifts, in family dinners, in charitable giving, in others. It can’t be found because it was never lost -it is always and forever you.
So whether you are making cookies for Santa, or feeling like Ebeneezer and humbugging-whether you are preparing for Sacred Services or lighting the Hanukah candles- whether you are toasting with your favorite champagne, or struggling with the challenges of life- remember that Love is all around. The gift of this week is to accept that, and give it everywhere you go….no exceptions.
And don’t let religiousity rob you of the music that inspires the heart and has the soul feel its worth. Merry Christmas,
