Do you see a difference between Christmases Past and Present?

If you’re like many people, at some point in your life you have likely questioned where the true meaning of Christmas has gone! It seems like most people find this holiday (and Holy Day for Christians everywhere) all about the materialism of giving and receiving the often less-than-perfect gift (just because you have to find something for a friend or family member who surely will be getting you something and will expect something in return!) and less about what the day really signifies.

If you reflect back to the days of our youth, it seemed like there was a bit more of the reason behind the day. Granted, as children, we dreamed of the gifts that would be under the tree when we awoke very early on Christmas morning! And yes, as a society of people, most of us did attend a Christmas church service to add some context as to what the day was all about. Now, as we are fast approaching the passing of a full quarter of the twenty-first century, have we lost the true meaning of Christmas?

As I reflected on Christmas, I realized that its meaning seems to have drastically changed over the years. Last year, I wrote about the Christmas traditions that my family had as I was growing up. (Read Reflections 6: Christmas Traditions.) Aging has a way of changing our opinion of events in our life, and Christmas is a good example. I would rather know that I am loved by family and friends than receive a gift from them that often comes with the stress of finding something I might like. For many of us who are blessed to be self-sufficient and financial stable, we tend to purchase the things that we want throughout the year. We have the resources to get those things that we want when we want them, without hoping “Santa’ will bring it and place it under our tree. And when someone asks ‘What do you want for Christmas?’  what I’d personally really like to say is to donate whatever money you will spend on me and help someone truly in need; and maybe send me a thought-felt card with a sentiment about how you really helped that individual, and then maybe what sharing a part of my life really means to them.

Christmas is about many things to me and the least of these things are shopping and presents under a tree. As I contemplate what I would like Christmas to mean for all of us, it’s about the celebration of the arrival on planet earth of the Christ Child, who grew to be a major spiritual teacher and healer. It’s about family, yes, the Holy Family, but also our own families, and the greater family of men and woman. It’s about hope for our eternal life. It’s the forgiveness of those who may have wronged us in some way. It’s about the unity of all beings on this planet, and the universe as a whole. It’s about our gratitude to have a human life as spiritual beings.

Prayer of Gratitude

For regular readers of my Reflections posts, you may recall reading that my favorite prayer of grace and gratitude, perfect for any holiday or get-together, is:

For food in a world where many walk in hunger,

For faith in a world where many walk in fear,

For friends in a world where many walk alone,

We give you thanks, O Lord.

Author unknown

As I reflected on the Christmas holiday, I think it’s appropriate once again to appreciate the many blessings that we have in our earthly lives. In that vein, I’d like to add a few additional things to remember and to be thankful for this holiday season:

For our health when so many people suffer major infirmities;

For our mobility when many cannot manage a single step;

For the comfort of our homes when many live without shelter;

For our compassion of others, when far too many lack the ability to recognize that freewill is a birthright afforded to us all;

For the financial resources to live in a world of endless cost increases, when many are unable to afford even the most basic of necessities;

For all of our mentors and teachers present throughout our lives, when many lack the guidance and helping hand that we often take for granted; and

For our own spiritual guides, and other beings of light, love and hope, we are thankful that we are able to discern their messages of hope, their unconditional love, and their divine protection.

My Holiday Wish for You!

This Christmas, this Hanukkah, or any of the other holidays that you may personally celebrate, I wish you a holiday filled with love, good health, prosperity and joy.

May we all come to realize that regardless of our faith the Christ consciousness shines within every one of us! Let us illuminate that truth, love and light into every aspect of our lives throughout the new year. And may we seek unity among all men.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Happy Holidays!