So, this is Christmas — a time to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus in the manger.  All across the world this birth is celebrated.  In songs, services, prayer and scripture there is rejoicing for the gift of love this birth has brought to us.  Whatever our tradition of celebrations, the central focus this time is acceptance of this gift – or is it?

Each of us has a different relationship with Jesus and God just as we have different relationships with each other.  For some of us, this spiritual love may not be a part of our lives.  For others, it is a significant connection every moment of every day.  Whatever your personal connection, this time is an opportunity for renewal or re-birth for us.  I.M. Heart would encourage you to take time in the rush of the season and to open your heart – if only just a crack – to connect with the loving energy that is available to us from spirit.

Start by seeing the candle light or starlight in your own heart as a reflection of this loving energy.  Be still with this energy and let it settle in your heart. This is your personal connection. It is always there for you.  Invite it to sit with you and be a part of your life.

I have a friend who has invited this energy in his life for many years and connects to it on a moment-by-moment basis. I have other friends who say they don’t believe in God and even when they try, can’t make the connection.  There is a third friend who only asks for help in times of emergency or crisis.  It doesn’t matter to God which of these categories you fall in — there is a standing invitation to invite this energy into your life.

So this Christmas, open your heart, to receive the message of love brought by Jesus birth.  In the days to come, continue your heart open – very gently and consistently. If we open our heart the best we can right now, and then continue to keep it open, we will begin to build a personal relationship with God.  Then we will discover the limitless love, acceptance and support there for us.  Our concept of love is often very small, when in reality God’s love for us is very big – much bigger than we can even imagine!

Many people express frustration with the materialism of Christmas and are disappointed that is was not the joyful event hyped by the media. We look for joy in gifts purchased and visits with people we can’t connect like we want, even when we really want to. So, we end up disappointed again in our search for the promise of joy, love, warmth connection, and hope of Christmas. We’re looking in all the wrong places. Let’s begin with us – in the light in our own heart that connects us to the love brought to us by Jesus.  Inside us – not outside – is the real re-birth. There, in our relationship with this spiritual love, is the real joy of Christmas.

“The power of love is always there for us, but love doesn’t come showering down on us like rain. Love has to begin in someone’s heart, a heart that has opened to it”   – Rev. Alan Rowbotham