As we finish our preparations for Christmas, wrapping each and every last gift, and try our hardest to remain focused...I offer one small relflection to ponder on with our kids.
Will God find a dwelling place in 2012 to be born?
When He comes, as He did to the city of Bethlehem to knock this time on our doors....will there be room in our homes, in our hearts, and in the sometimes darkness of our lives for Panagia to lay and give birth to the giver of ever-lasting peace? What state will He find our caves in? Ready, asleep, or full to capacity with other things?
You see, the cave is not only a physical place of historical importance, but a spiritual metaphor for each one of us. Isn't it also interesting that so many monks/nuns in our Orthodox tradition took up residence in an actual cave, where they decorated it with icons and burning vigil lamps living their lives in complete concentration and stillness.
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How, might we ask, could God who is grander in size than any other "fit into" the smallness of our bodies? If He wanted to, couldn't He force out the things in His way to make room? Sure, He could, but He wouldn't. Instead, He invites us to do this work because it encourages a cooperation with Him, to those interested....and the greatest of sins and the true opposite of love is not hate, but actually "indifference."
If you choose and are willing try the following:
Wishing you and your families a truly joyful experience this year of Christmas ~ 2012.
Will God find a dwelling place in 2012 to be born?
When He comes, as He did to the city of Bethlehem to knock this time on our doors....will there be room in our homes, in our hearts, and in the sometimes darkness of our lives for Panagia to lay and give birth to the giver of ever-lasting peace? What state will He find our caves in? Ready, asleep, or full to capacity with other things?
You see, the cave is not only a physical place of historical importance, but a spiritual metaphor for each one of us. Isn't it also interesting that so many monks/nuns in our Orthodox tradition took up residence in an actual cave, where they decorated it with icons and burning vigil lamps living their lives in complete concentration and stillness.
How, might we ask, could God who is grander in size than any other "fit into" the smallness of our bodies? If He wanted to, couldn't He force out the things in His way to make room? Sure, He could, but He wouldn't. Instead, He invites us to do this work because it encourages a cooperation with Him, to those interested....and the greatest of sins and the true opposite of love is not hate, but actually "indifference."If you choose and are willing try the following:
- Give Him the greatest of gifts - your time and your attention. We do this by being one on one in our prayers, with the door shut behind us, and the television off. Eliminate all distractions.
- Physically clean out space in your souls through fasting and confession. Even at the last hour if you have not yet done so is well worth it.
- Lastly, shut out the consumerism and over commercialization of these holy days and fight to remain focused and available.
Wishing you and your families a truly joyful experience this year of Christmas ~ 2012.