Advent: Metaphysically Speaking

Love Came Down at Christmas

Christ is born anew in hearts and minds around the world at Christmas time. And for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, His love fills the earth with glory, the theme for the fourth Sunday of Advent. We come to the Nativity with minds and hearts open and receptive to the Word of God.

The infant Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem. Charles Fillmore responded to questions about the Virgin Birth in this way:

Unity accepts the virgin birth of Jesus,
and finds in it a deep metaphysical significance.
Tradition tells us that Mary was not only
virgin by reason of her unmarried state, but she was
also virgin in mind and heart.
Just as Jesus was born to one whose mind and heart were
pure and uncorrupted,
so too is the Spirit of Christ born into individual consciousness
as the mind and heart are made pure and clean.

Awakening consciousness surrounds itself with star light and candle light symbolizing spiritual enlightenment. The angels are messengers of God pointing the way to the Christ. The shepherds keeping watch over their sheep will come to symbolize Jesus as the Good Shepherd—one who protects and guides. The Wise Men from the East represent the inner resources of Spirit giving birth to the One who would be called Teacher. His birth in a stable with a manger for His bed signifies the humble beginnings of all people everywhere.

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When we follow His star and let love shine through every thought, word and action, we too shall grow beyond the humble to the glorious.

Rev. Claudia Naylor

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Advent: Metaphysically Speaking

Joy to the World!

Like the Wisemen, we seek the Star in the East. During Advent we journey from that place in consciousness we now inhabit to the birth place of wisdom and love, deep within our soul. Our journey can last a mere heart beat or a life time.

Jesus, the teacher, was born 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. The Christ is born anew in Man with every prayer, with every awakening soul. No matter who we are, where we are or what we have done along the way, the Christ affirms: "and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age." (Mt.28:20)

The Children of Israel were notoriously bad about going astray on their journey of awakening. During the time of Isaiah, God finally resorted to what we would call tough love because the people failed to heed His Word and ignored punishment. But even as He condemned them to paying the consequences of their actions, He reaffirmed His love for them with the promise of a redemption. Isaiah prophesied the return of the people to the House of the Lord:

Many people shall come and say,
"Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths."
He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.
Is. 2:3-4

If we are to live with hope, in peace, and celebrate the birth of our own indwelling Lord, then we must set aside all warring thoughts and feelings. And if we would feel the joy of Advent, then let us join together to Behold the Christ in all who would war against us. Not to fix them, but to hold them in the Circle of God’s Love.

Rev. Claudia Naylor

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Advent: Metaphysically Speaking

His Peace Be Upon You!

Advent is a spiritual journey into the birth of Christ consciousness. If we set aside time from the holiday rush to meditate upon the true meaning and purpose of Christmas, then we feel the rush of joy and anticipation which come from seeking and finding God in the very inmost parts of our being.

Jesus was not born to die for us, but to teach us how to live! To know the love of God and to seek a deeper understanding of His law. Advent and the birth of Jesus symbolize the coming of light into the world at the darkest time of the year. The teachings of Jesus are a shining light amidst the confusions and temptations of the world.

Let us pray for peace of mind and heart for all people, everywhere--and mean it! We pray not just for those we know and approve of, but for those who's actions and beliefs are contrary to all we hold dear. When we behold the Christ in everyone, our light shines brightly unto all the world and we are made new again, free again, in Christ.

Rev. Claudia Naylor

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