Christmas Letter – 2009
As the Christmas story goes there was hospitality and there was hospitality. Mary and Joseph got to the party late, and there was a No Vacancy sign on the door. What to do?
The innkeeper had mercy on the pregnant couple and led them to a stable of undefined description where there was the warmth of other mammals, bedding of straw, protection from the elements, and dignified privacy. Hospitality and invitation, no matter how meager and primitive, is welcome when there is no room in the inn of the heart of another. There they gave birth to a Light that lives in the hearts of every being that draws breath and is awake to God, Infinite Presence. This Light of Divine Love that includes the most humble of people, places, situations, and circumstances always brings Life to life.
Unto us a child, new beginning, is born. Unto us a series of infinite possibilities is given. You are welcome. You are significant. You are valuable. You are accepted. You are loved. The shepherds, custodians, stewards, protectors of the earth recognized the wonder of the light of new life. They came in awe to the birthing that always takes place when life ends and begins. The Magi came with gifts to greet the newcomers, the strangers, the visitors. The messengers of earth and the heavens sang the perennial song of celebration. Joy to the world, new life has come. Let earth receive the sovereignty of Life. Let every heart prepare some room for the silent pulse of Life that shows forth with every new possibility. Divine Presence, Infinite Presence, Loving Companion Presence is here, there and everywhere. Glory to God in the highest: Peace on earth and goodwill to all.
Is this not the story of the wayfarer who walks with you every day of your life? Is this not the story of the ones who seek refuge in a community of faithful people? Is this not the story of every woman, child and man who needs shelter, loving kindness and gracious acceptance? Is this not his story, her story, their story, my story, your story?
In the next weeks we will be celebrating the birth of the Ideal into our world. We want to nurture this birth by celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas. It’s an opportunity to awaken to something new in your thoughts, words and actions. It’s an opportunity to pray, study, serve and play in new ways. It’s an opportunity to awaken to the extraordinary value in you and all those around you, to move beyond business as usual.
As you prepare for Christmas, the Mass of Christ, the Anointing that can take place within you every day, don’t look at Christmas day as the end of the season. See it as the new beginning that brings you a whole new way of embracing the wonder in yourself and all of creation. Act with new generosity, new welcoming and new resolve. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the additional pages that have come with this letter. Do something new. Give more of yourself away. Stop, Look and Listen for new ways to celebrate and embody the true meaning of Christmas. It’s all so beautiful…
Embracing the Wonder,
F.W. Rick Meyers+
