“Chanuka is about the spark of the divine in all of us made in God’s image.” — Suzanne Fields
Thought for Today
Spreading the Light #6
Photo copyright 2009 by R.A. Robbins
Bob and I chose many years ago not to get caught up in the frenzy of the holidays. We celebrate a quiet, spiritual Christmas. That doesn’t mean we don’t have fun, we simply try not to get drawn into the excesses of the season.
Several years ago I began what I call A Season of Angels. During December I work on an angel art or craft project each day. The purpose of this is to take a little time each day to focus on the spiritual teachings of Advent and the role of angels as God’s messengers.
This year I invite you to take a few minutes each day to slow down the holiday craziness and relax in and reflect on the Light of God.
Thought for Today
Copyright 2010 by R.A. Robbins
“O ye beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing.” — It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (3rd verse) written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849
Spreading the Light #5
Make room at your holiday table for a neighbor, friend or co-worker who may be spending the holidays alone. As someone who in the past found myself alone on too many holidays I can tell you that an invitation can be a welcome act of kindness.
Thought for Today
“You keep us waiting. You, the God of all time, Want us to wait. For the right time in which to discover Who we are, where we are to go, Who will be with us, and what we must do. So thank you … for the waiting time.”
John Bell, quoted in The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers, compiled by Dorothy M. Stewart
Spreading the Light #4
Honor your spiritual, ethnic or family traditions. Read from the sacred texts of your faith, sing the songs, eat the traditional foods, watch the classic holiday movies you watched as a child with your children.
Thought for Today
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” —Mother Teresa
Spreading the Light #3
Approach volunteer work or charitable donations honoring the dignity of the people being helped. Try not to think of people needing help as “less fortunate” or people to pity or blame. We are all God’s children. Many people are finding themselves one paycheck away from homelessness. Remember, you could be the one having to ask for help for the first time.
Thought for Today
Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished. ~Michael Strassfeld
Spreading the Light #2
Let your kinder, gentler side show this holiday season. Return a holiday greeting with a smile, even if it is not the greeting you prefer. Open doors for people, especially if their arms are full of packages. Remember store clerks are just doing a job, trying to keep a roof over their families heads and food on the table. A kind word and a smile go a long way toward making a stressful time bearable.
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