The Angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people."
Luke 2:10
It's Christmas. Today, in spite of the frenzy and excitement of preparation, I am taking a moment to listen inside to the warm pressure inside my chest. This is what Love is trying to say to me:
That in spite of our losses, Love is real. Love is here and is to be relied upon.
Even though we may grieve, Love comforts.
Even though we feel weak, Love strengthens.
Even though life may have been harsh to us this year, Love's gentleness penetrates.
Even though we can lose hope, Love cannot be lost.
Even though we might not feel joyful, Love embraces our desire for it.
Even though we may be lonely, Love alone can meet this.
Even though others may ask too much of us, Love makes up our deficit.
Even though we're scared of another year finishing, Love is timeless.
Even though we know not what lies ahead for us, Love does.
Even with all this, something is being born in us. Love wants to love, through us.
Even when offered yet rejected, even when we recoil, we must let ourselves Love.
It is time for Love to be heard.
It is the season of Love, of being swept up by it, being fortified and strengthened by it, to allow ourselves to feel the wonder and purity of it, to see cynicism and hatred fade because of it.
There is a time for everything - now, it's time to Love. It's time to light the candles. It is time to stretch and extend Love's warmth in us and offer it to others. It is time to laugh, to rest, to play, to touch the good earth, to let Love conquer us, to be known by Love, to be comforted by Love's embrace. It is time to sing, even if our voices are quiet. Sing, sing out loud. It is time to be swept up by others, by music, to hug, to forgive, to receive, to let ourselves be loved.
Look around. Look deeper than the strain on someone's face. Look deeper than the smile on others. Look deeper than the spending, the decorations, the wrapping of presents. Look deeper than your own life. What's happening out there? There are crises and surprises. There are unseen kindnesses, heartaches and wishes, hidden dreams and prayers. There is tummy-bursting excitement. Love sees them all.
We pray for all who are suffering in any way at this time. May Love bring comfort, direction and strength. May Love be re-born in us all. Breathe in deeply. Love and Wonder are in the air!
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
... a time to love ...
Ecc 3:1. 8.
