Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.

— Dr. Seuss

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

Here we are – again. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, The New Year … celebrations of love in a world that continues to struggle with it.

Perhaps as we focus on the giving we also are winking at the possibility of receiving. Perhaps that's the twinkle in our eye that glimmers in misguided direction. After all, the advertisements and commercials all seem to end every promotion with the thought, “What do YOU want?” Doesn't that miss the point?

If our intention for extending love is to have it returned, does that not diminish the giving? Big love, Divine love, freely flows without thought of giver and receiver. It just is. The energy of love has coursed freely through all spiritual leaders from Buddha to Moses, from Krishna to Christ. And that energetic flow of perfect love is celebrated by all who hold this season holy.

The Dalai Lama has written, “The essence of all religions is love…Love is my true religion.” This is not simply pablum for lightweights. This is tough love. This is the love lived by The Christ, whose birth is celebrated by millions all over the earth. This, I offer, is the core of all faith. And this is what we continue to struggle with. No, it is not pablum, it is rich, meaty spiritual food. Remember that whole “This is my commandment: you must love one another?” Different speaker, same message.

We all know this. We all believe this. We all want this. And, here we are at a time of year when we can intentionally live it. Every day. With everyone we meet. In millions of meaningful ways. And if we really spread that love like the lights that twinkle and sparkle in the cold night air, we might just find ourselves living it and giving in when summer rolls around.

Celebrate well. Celebrate fully. Celebrate with grace!

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: Love flows from me freely and without judgment, and it heals the world.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington celebrates the love of all traditions through sacred ceremonies, speaking and coaching. She can be reached at 215 260 1611 or GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com.