So it's the holiday season again. You know the one with Santa Claus, Baby Jesus, Menorahs and a month of sales of the "Black" or "Cyber" variety.
Such humble origins as a celebration of the Winter Solstice to ward off the doldrums of the most dreary of seasons gave way to the very pinnacle of rampant consumerism and oh yeah, religion got thrown in there along the way.
History tells us that the Catholic Church specifically set the date for the first Christmas celebrations to coincide with the otherwise pagan celebration occurring on December 25th.
Of course the Catholic Church denies it...😇
...and Bill Clinton did not have.....never mind...
It's a good sales technique: Make the pitch while people are drunk on the spirit, or "spirits," mix in some familiar pagan ritual and symbolism they can relate to and suddenly the pews are filled with the faithful.
It's a classic sales tactic. That's what Christmas has been from the very beginning. At least so far as the Christmas we know. Save the assertions of blasphemy. Theologists, historians and astronomers alike have pretty much agreed that the divine birth likely occurred around late September.
So I suppose all those holiday decorations showing up in October aren't too early after all. In fact they're a bit late!
Why bring all this up now?
Because it's about faith. It's about believing in something greater than what's staring back at you in the mirror. That's the lesson regardless of your choice in divine text.
Couch it n religion if you must but only so far as it serves the greater purpose. That being making this life, this world better for us having been here. What we do and who we are right now is the core of all spiritual belief. Whether we believe in divine reward at the end of this life or that this life is reward in itself we are encouraged to bring light into the world.
Each day is an opportunity to create something beautiful and this time of year makes it all the more possible.
That's what I feel. It's something that stays with me. It lets me appreciate the Holiday Heart as I call it.
It's a feeling of unity, hope and yes "faith." I make no claim as to what or if there is any divine inspiration for it. Faith has more to do with who we are than who we may or may not pray to. Whether we find it though rampant consumerism or religious conviction there's still a need that's satisfied. A desire to bring and receive joy.
Be open to it.
Tap into it.
Share it.
It's an energy of positivity. An elevation to a higher state above the petty concerns of all those things that ultimately have no value.
Value lies in the good we can put into the world. It lies in being that which we hope to find.
As you take in the sights and sounds of the season take a moment to feel the Holiday Heart. See the light beyond the dazzling light displays. Feel the music beyond the sacred hymns.
Allow the energy to flow and the love to grow within you.
That's the Holiday Heart.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukah!
...and joy to whatever may move you this special time of year! (regardless of who came up with the date 🎄🎄🎄 )
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