For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I’m curious to know how many people are feeling different about it this year. Last year we had the pandemic and were forced to learn how to quarantine at the holiday season and what I’m sensing is that now that it has come around again, people are definitely questioning what this is all about.

How do we go into debt buying presents for people we love and the ones we don’t? Obligations and expectations run rampant at this time of the year. We all feel what is expected of us, but does it still measure up to what you want Christmas to mean for you?

During last year’s pandemic, we learned how to do the holiday a different way. Expectations were very low. We did what we wanted to do rather than what was expected of us. Right now the people I’m in touch with are struggling to figure out do they go back to the expected rituals or can they make new traditions? Do they dare do what they would prefer to do rather than what’s expected?

The pandemic was good for us in some ways. We learned new things, new ways to cope, new ways to celebrate. What was so important and what is no longer at the top of our lists.

Let’s break it down and keep it simple.

First of all, what are we celebrating?

Are you going to church hoping to find a really good reason for all of this and all you’re getting is the same old story? Jesus was born in a manger and three wise men came to visit. Yes, I am simplifying it, but that’s pretty much what it’s about right? Some people make a birthday cake and celebrate his birthday. Others get drunk or stoned because they’re bored with the same old story and or don’t want to think about it.

I want you to think about this: Jesus came here to be an example for us on how to live our lives. He told us we all have a divine nature within us, which is what the Christ part of Jesus is all about. We have the same gifts, the same connection to God that Jesus had and he was determined to share that message with as many people as possible before his early death. I bet you anything that if he were alive today, he would still be teaching us about the Christ within ourselves. He would be telling us to love ourselves and stop finding fault with every little nitpicking thing we do.

He would want us to be happy. Stop the negativity that is pervading the planet right now. Get back to the basics of taking care of others if and when they need it. Stop letting fear control us, which the media certainly does. Believe in possibilities again.

This whole message of Jesus dying for our sins is preposterous. What have you done 2000 years after his death to cause that death? You, me, we are all children of God, so explain to me why religion keeps pounding in our heads that we are sinners. It all sounds so dysfunctional so let’s get back to the truth and celebrate our own awareness that the Christ energy lives in all of us and we are loving, kind, children of God. Try focusing on that during this holiday season. Focusing on the good within yourself and others. That is reason to celebrate. That’s why we should sing carols and look at all the pretty lights and buy presents for the people we love. Acknowledging the part of you that is God is a fantastic present for yourself and others.

So yes, if you’re not quite feeling it this year, no worries. You are trying to do things differently. Create new rituals. Letting go of the shoulds and just be your happy self. This is something we are all capable of doing, so lets do it together. Honor the Christ part of ourselves and do the holiday however WE want to do it.

If you are yearning for more spiritual growth, I highly recommend the book What Jesus Wants You To Know Today by Gina Lake. I can’t say enough good things about it and it is a perfect time of year to read it. I’m going to start a study group sometime in February about this book and as I know more, I’ll send you the info.

In the meantime, please consider doing this upcoming holiday the way you want it to be. Let go of the old ways and create a new way of celebrating the Christ within Jesus and yourself.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Sincerely,

Echo

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