Deep in the heart of Christmas

Dear friends,

I have sort of a quota, a "bar" representing the minimum allowable amount of Christmas that I must express and experience each year. In addition to the obvious things, I consider it imperative that I take in at least one Holiday concert, watch a Christmas cartoon or a movie that brings me to tears. Most of all it wouldn't be Christmas without the joy of giving.

This year the weeks leading up to Christmas passed by at lightning speed. I had determined that this was to be the year I would get Christmas cards out, as I had done in all but the last several years. Didn't happen. I made the trip Thursday to Austin to see family, but without a gift or even a Christmas card in hand. (That didn't feel good). I did host two holiday parties, I led a service in Houston, and will lead a Christmas eve service tonight. However, I feel dissatisfied on the personal connection, and giving categories. Fortunately, mentor Rev Tom Heger reminded me of the age old tradition of Christmas beginning on December 25th, and continuing for 12 days until "Little Christmas."

So if you hear from me between 12/25 and 1/6 please don't say anything to imply that Christmas is over. If you would like to join me in keeping Christmas for 12 days, I'd welcome the camaraderie. Maybe we could start a trend. With the bulk of Christmas chores and commercial blitz behind us, perhaps we could spend 12 days seeing how much of that "peace on earth goodwill toward all" we can truly manifest.

That ideal could serve as true north on our compasses. Then the fun of the game will come from seeing how far "north" we can get. Hint: leave perfection for God. Realize that every step is itself a destination reached, a victorious arrival, a destiny fulfilled. Each step further in the direction of peace and goodwill is a gift.

Perhaps I will manage to write one of those Christmas letters, the kind to share a little of my journey, play "catch up" and offer loved ones a picture of my living.

For today, I'd like to share two favorite Christmas YouTube videos.

#1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

"for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall be for ALL people, for unto you is born this day a savior Jesus, messiah in the city of Bethlehem. and this shall be a sign unto you...
a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising G_d and saying Glory to G_d in the highest, and on Earth PEACE, goodwill toward ALL... that's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."


What does that phrase "peace on earth goodwill toward all?" really mean? John Lennon said; "Peace on Earth, that implies no violence, no starving children, no violent minds, no violent households, no violence. no frustration, no fear." John Lennon is part of my Christmas because he gave us the song "Happy Christmas (War is Over)." It debuted during the US war on Vietnam, and was accompanied by billboards throughout the world that read "War is Over if you want it." It was a campaign to convince people to get their governments to turn from war. Another of John's songs with a similar message; "Give Peace A Chance" became an anthem for a new generation of peace activists. It was sung by youth who tore down the Berlin wall.

There are several YouTube versions of "Happy Christmas (War is Over)." Some have pictures of the Beatles, some of winter landscapes. Some have pictures of Lennon/Ono's ad campaign. I'm including a video that tears at my heart, and leaves me praying that Christmas will transform my heart, causing me to follow Jesus more closely. WARNING: DO NOT watch the last few minutes of the video unless you are prepared to see images of war. It ain't a warm an fuzzy video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvNRHrKyaX4&NR=1

If you want a more pleasant version, try this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OSu-5LMW84&feature=related
I respect those of you who choose not to feed their minds images of violence. I generally go that route myself.

However, remember Jesus wasn't born in a manger for no reason. Many believe that Jesus offered the way to heaven, but ignore how he lived. His ministry focused upon those who had been outcast and downtrodden. Now, I'm not trying to get you to believe in Jesus. Perhaps you let Jesus be a "sign unto you." Perhaps you follow Torah, or Quaran, or Buddah, or the vedas. We could argue which was the true or right"sign" from God. Better we should live in a way that demonstrates faith in divine love. Religion could help or it could get in the way of our realizing the possibilities of this season. If we become more caring, loving and peaceful, I won't worry who gets the credit
.
I will leave you with the gift of questions: 1) Is it possible that there could be a love so great, so strong that it could bring peace to all the world? 2) Must we wait for all the problems to be fixed?, or can we begin to know heaven now? Could heaven break into this world thorough us? 3) Must we wait for the 2nd coming, or for another different messiah to come? Could we find peace and joy right now? Is it possible to create or step into a divine realm of love and miracle? Lastly, what do you want for Christmas? (no really what do you want for Christmas?)

I pray that we prepare room for the Divine to enter our hearts this Christmas, that we live the words "Peace on Earth. Goodwill toward all."
Merry Christmas!
Phil

PS
John Lennon:
I think our society is run by a bunch of insane people for insane objectives. ... We are being run by maniacs for maniacal ends. .. If anybody can put on paper what our government, and the American government,etc and the Russian/ Chinese government what they are actually trying to do, and what they think they are doing. I'd be very pleased to know what they think they are doing. I think they are all insane. but then I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that."
"every country has had a violent revolution for one reason or another. Not one of them has the peace or freedom that we're all talking about. So we are saying give peace a chance."



*Little Christmas is aka the Celebration of the Epiphany, and is celebrated in many places throughout the world.