Even the times and people we hold onto so tightly not wanting to let go, though we know it's right. Even the things we don't want at all and we wonder how in the world, being so evolved, could we ever attract these into our experience. Surely this was meant for someone else. Then we discover that sadness, happiness, joy, sorrow, the sacred, profane, and mundane all serve a purpose. We find that the dark night of the soul heals itself, given time.
I'm glad God, as some wise person or persons, invented holidays. If we will let them, they bring us such joy. They are the opportunity to appreciate what we have, to savor all we've had and they encourage us to live in the moment. They remind us of the preciousness and the fragility of life.

There is Thanksgiving, sort of neglected as far as real appreciation goes, other than being thankful for the turkey as we stuff ourselves into oblivion. As for taking the time to remember all we are thankful for, well perhaps for a moment or two...between mouthfuls and an after dinner nap, making room for the pie. We are happy we have a full tummy.

Then comes Christmas, when we come from our heart instead of our head. Giddy memories of dashing from JC Penney to Woolworth's (the big stores where the clerk put your money in a little thing on a wire that then carried it upstairs to the cashier. Wondrous stuff!) Dodging giant snowflakes swirling and twirling, that finally settle indiscriminately on eyelashes and noses and rosy cheeks and anything else not hidden by scarves or mittens. And oh, the delicious, crispy cold! The agony of making decisions of how to stretch precious coins to include something for everyone on your list. The glittery, shiny baubles that mesmerize children and adults alike making it almost impossible to choose from so many wonderful things! Going home to a warm and cozy abode where the Christmas tree lights stayed on all the time just waiting for Santa's visit. You can't even imagine what Santa will bring. And the highlight, the kids' Sunday School program with ethereal angels and little boy shepherds, faces scrubbed and polished, reminding us of the real meaning of Christmas. They transport us in mind to Bethlehem with the babe in the manger, Mary and Joseph, the wise men and shepherds, the innkeeper and "no room in the inn." And then we remember that what this symbolizes is the Christ Consciousness being born in the hearts of everyone...of all faiths. That we all have it and at this holy season of the year somehow it is easier to see it... and believe it. Perhaps because we are looking through the eyes of love.

I wish for you for this holiday season and always that you be blessed by the wonder of love in your life, past, present and future. My wish for you is that you, too, wake up a happy person.

Reverend Doris