Minister's Monthly Column
by Rev. Dr. Paulette Hogan
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
During the Christmas season our minds are filled with many thoughts. Among these, I trust, are the reasons for this celebration. I know that most of us are thankful Christmas does not come every day. The shopping, cooking, and decorating can become hectic. But—would we not all be happier if each day of the year was filled with the same spirit of love and giving as Christmas? Perhaps the reason this feeling seems to be discarded with the Christmas wrappings is that we grant more importance to the preparation for Christmas than to the reason for Christmas.
I know that one of my joys during this season is the reflection, in my mind's eye, of what Christmas was like for me as a child. My mother believed that Christmas was a time to display love for one another above all else. In our home, it was a time for speaking to one another about the gift of life and the event of Jesus' birth, and what these gifts meant to each of us.
One of my most memorable Christmas days occurred at age fourteen. I was giving much thought to what present I wanted most of all. (We were each allowed to choose one major gift.) I had seen a beautiful coat and it became the most special object of my desire. I related my choice to my mother. Christmas morning, I opened my gifts with excitement, leaving the large package for last. Then, as I opened the final gift and held my coat, I was joyful. However, the words my mother spoke unexpectedly brought me my greatest joy. I was blessed by the love in her eyes as she told me, "A special coat for a special child I will love forever. The coat may not last, but my love will." Every time I wore the coat I could feel her love.
 This year, as you contemplate the meaning of Christmas, remember the miracle of love that created each of us and endowed us with our Christ Spirits. The Spirit of Christmas, the Christ Spirit, is alive in each of us. Think back to what has given you the greatest joy in life. More than likely, it has not been the material possessions; probably it has not been the getting-or even the giving. Likely, your greatest joy in life has been the realization of the Spirit of Divine Love within you. This remembrance awakens the realization that now is the time to look deeply into your heart and soul for your Christ Sprit and to open yourself to Its powerful activity. This Christmas, give the gifts of forgiveness, understanding, and most of all, love.
Make this Christmas an inner experience, an inner miracle, an inner rebirth. It is a miracle that took place in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. It is a miracle we have the opportunity to experience again and again as we open our human hearts to the Christ Spirit within them. In prayer and meditation find the light that guides us, the substance which fulfills us, and the love that forever blesses us.
Yes, every day can be a day like Christmas when we choose to think of others and give them our love, friendship, time, and substance. Every day can be a day when we no longer search for miracles, but see the miracles all around us; palpable evidence of the living, loving Christ Spirit within each of us.
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