Reflections on the True Meaning
of Christmas
We have many symbols of Christmas:
Trees,
Wreaths,
Angels,
Bells,
Poinsettias,
Holly,
Mistletoe, etc.
These symbols remind us that Christmas is a time of peace and joy,
of giving and sharing
- of showing love for one another.
Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us,
that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.
It may weave a spell of nostalgia.
Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer,
but always it will be a day of remembrance
--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. 1
. . . . . so this is Christmas:
that time of peace on earth,
and good will to men (humankind);
the time of togetherness,
family, community,
gifts and good cheer,
and the many traditions that go with it;
some that many people share: the cultural, local ones,
and some which we have created for ourselves . . .
a time of - peace . . .
And yet – where is that peace - and all that good will?
. . . I’m looking . . . and waiting . . .
for as I read the letters, and hear the stories from my clients,
listen to the tales friends and strangers relate;
as I look around at the violence and abuse all around us,
at wars being fought in many places throughout time . . .
what I see is that
". . . hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men." 2
How did this craziness happen?
We kind o' thought Christ went agin war an' pillage.” 3
And as I listen to, and read the news,
it really strikes home why Longfellow wrote,
. . . and in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth" 2
A long time ago someone said,
“there is nothing new under the sun”;
and for sure, the craziness has been "eternal" . . .
all along there's been so much pain,
so much hunger and poverty,
so much division,
so much misunderstanding,
so much hate -
and so many deeply unhappy, hurting people
without peace, love or goodwill . . .
that it would be easy to be cynical
– but I know better than that -
because in life, we find what we look for:
if we think negative, we find negative.
If we think positive, we find positive . . .
It doesn’t have to be an “either–or” negative/positive choice.
And it isn't - both exist - both are real . . .
A balanced view accepts this reality,
with the emphasis on positive;
which is my natural preference and choice.
My “positive filter” tells me that
it is more realistic, and balanced to think of
Christmas not as being an automatic time of peace,
but of Christmas as being a time for peace,
where peace, love and goodness for us and others
can happen – if we choose to . . .
It seems to me we took a wrong turn somewhere
- that we got something backwards –
and fell into the this trap, that . . .
. . . there is a wonderful mythical law of nature
that the three things we crave most in life
- - happiness, freedom, and peace of mind –
are always attained by giving them to someone else. 4
. . . there is a fundamental flaw in that thinking,
in that approach - for it hides the vital truth that. . .
People spend a lifetime searching for happiness;
looking for peace.
They chase idle dreams, addictions,
religions,
even other people,
hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them.
The irony is - the only place they ever needed to search was within. 5
We don’t live in a perfect world.
We don’t have perfect lives.
We have this world
– the real one.
We have our lives
– real ones . . . .
We also have, inherently, the ability and power
to choose our attitude – and our perspective.
However we feel at any given moment
is never a result of anything, or anyone “out there”:
It is pure and simple . . . our choice.
In a perfect world,
the messages of the true meaning of Christmas
would be apparent to all of us.
Relationships with others would be easy,
we would all get along, no sibling rivalry would exist,
and we would never feel awkward
or uncomfortable with each other.
Since the real world doesn't operate like that,
does the true meaning of Christmas have no place in our broken world?
Yes, it does!
If your relationships with friends,
family members or others have become strained,
keep the true meaning of Christmas in mind
and strive to mend fences
and repair broken relationships.
Keep your focus on what you want
(a life of warmth, love, and abundance)
and approach these people with that mindset,
instead of anticipating problems.
You can't change anyone else,
but you do have the power to change yourself.
We may not be able to change the entire world,
but the hope we feel in the true meaning of Christmas
tells us that WE have the power to influence
our own small portion of it. 6
No matter how we cut it,
it starts with each of us.
John Lennon wrote,
“You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one.”
The practice of peace and reconciliation
is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. 7
Peace, love, healing, reconciliation . . . dreams?
Here and now,
I unashamedly and unabashedly own up, and freely affirm
– I am a dreamer, too.
I believe in people . . .
I believe in Peace - I believe in Kindness - I believe in Love
I believe people heal, forgive, reconcile, love,
and find inner peace . . .
Wounded people – who choose to do so – heal:
- in my professional life, I accompany many on their personal healing journeys
– and witness their struggle and fight with the challenges they encounter
- and overcome
– they Win!
And I just as regularly witness people reconciling
with those from whom they were separated.
Those are not idle dreams;
they are real accomplishments;
not dreams - but hard reality.
The "dreamer" part is hoping that everyone
will want to win, and make that choice . . .
(I can’t imagine or accept anyone choosing to be a loser) . . .
So yes, I am a dreamer,
but firmly grounded in the reality of the
accomplishments I have witnessed
- and their ability and success
encourages me to believe that
if they can do it,
so can others . . .
so can we all
it is real.
This I believe.
Here I am; here I stay. ***
What is “reality”, you ask?
Reality is anything that you make real for yourself.
For example, is this what you are reading and hearing right now “real”?
Are these really letters, colours, pictures and sounds?
Actually, all of what you see and hear here is
nothing but a steady stream of zeros and ones dancing in your computer.
The computer assembles it all, and your brain
collaborates with it to make this appear “real” to you.
Yes, in a way, it is purely an illusion . . .
one that you make your reality,
it is your creation . . .
What else does your brain – your mind –
conjure up and cobble into a “reality” for you?
There are wise ones among us:
I do not want the peace that passeth understanding.
I want the understanding which bringeth peace. 8
of Christmas
We have many symbols of Christmas:
Trees,
Wreaths,
Angels,
Bells,
Poinsettias,
Holly,
Mistletoe, etc.
These symbols remind us that Christmas is a time of peace and joy,
of giving and sharing
- of showing love for one another.
Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us,
that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.
It may weave a spell of nostalgia.
Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer,
but always it will be a day of remembrance
--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. 1
. . . . . so this is Christmas:
that time of peace on earth,
and good will to men (humankind);
the time of togetherness,
family, community,
gifts and good cheer,
and the many traditions that go with it;
some that many people share: the cultural, local ones,
and some which we have created for ourselves . . .
a time of - peace . . .
And yet – where is that peace - and all that good will?
. . . I’m looking . . . and waiting . . .
for as I read the letters, and hear the stories from my clients,
listen to the tales friends and strangers relate;
as I look around at the violence and abuse all around us,
at wars being fought in many places throughout time . . .
what I see is that
". . . hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men." 2
How did this craziness happen?
We kind o' thought Christ went agin war an' pillage.” 3
And as I listen to, and read the news,
it really strikes home why Longfellow wrote,
. . . and in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth" 2
A long time ago someone said,
“there is nothing new under the sun”;
and for sure, the craziness has been "eternal" . . .
all along there's been so much pain,
so much hunger and poverty,
so much division,
so much misunderstanding,
so much hate -
and so many deeply unhappy, hurting people
without peace, love or goodwill . . .
that it would be easy to be cynical
– but I know better than that -
because in life, we find what we look for:
if we think negative, we find negative.
If we think positive, we find positive . . .
It doesn’t have to be an “either–or” negative/positive choice.
And it isn't - both exist - both are real . . .
A balanced view accepts this reality,
with the emphasis on positive;
which is my natural preference and choice.
My “positive filter” tells me that
it is more realistic, and balanced to think of
Christmas not as being an automatic time of peace,
but of Christmas as being a time for peace,
where peace, love and goodness for us and others
can happen – if we choose to . . .
It seems to me we took a wrong turn somewhere
- that we got something backwards –
and fell into the this trap, that . . .
. . . there is a wonderful mythical law of nature
that the three things we crave most in life
- - happiness, freedom, and peace of mind –
are always attained by giving them to someone else. 4
. . . there is a fundamental flaw in that thinking,
in that approach - for it hides the vital truth that. . .
People spend a lifetime searching for happiness;
looking for peace.
They chase idle dreams, addictions,
religions,
even other people,
hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them.
The irony is - the only place they ever needed to search was within. 5
We don’t live in a perfect world.
We don’t have perfect lives.
We have this world
– the real one.
We have our lives
– real ones . . . .
We also have, inherently, the ability and power
to choose our attitude – and our perspective.
However we feel at any given moment
is never a result of anything, or anyone “out there”:
It is pure and simple . . . our choice.
In a perfect world,
the messages of the true meaning of Christmas
would be apparent to all of us.
Relationships with others would be easy,
we would all get along, no sibling rivalry would exist,
and we would never feel awkward
or uncomfortable with each other.
Since the real world doesn't operate like that,
does the true meaning of Christmas have no place in our broken world?
Yes, it does!
If your relationships with friends,
family members or others have become strained,
keep the true meaning of Christmas in mind
and strive to mend fences
and repair broken relationships.
Keep your focus on what you want
(a life of warmth, love, and abundance)
and approach these people with that mindset,
instead of anticipating problems.
You can't change anyone else,
but you do have the power to change yourself.
We may not be able to change the entire world,
but the hope we feel in the true meaning of Christmas
tells us that WE have the power to influence
our own small portion of it. 6
No matter how we cut it,
it starts with each of us.
John Lennon wrote,
“You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one.”
The practice of peace and reconciliation
is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. 7
Peace, love, healing, reconciliation . . . dreams?
Here and now,
I unashamedly and unabashedly own up, and freely affirm
– I am a dreamer, too.
I believe in people . . .
I believe in Peace - I believe in Kindness - I believe in Love
I believe people heal, forgive, reconcile, love,
and find inner peace . . .
Wounded people – who choose to do so – heal:
- in my professional life, I accompany many on their personal healing journeys
– and witness their struggle and fight with the challenges they encounter
- and overcome
– they Win!
And I just as regularly witness people reconciling
with those from whom they were separated.
Those are not idle dreams;
they are real accomplishments;
not dreams - but hard reality.
The "dreamer" part is hoping that everyone
will want to win, and make that choice . . .
(I can’t imagine or accept anyone choosing to be a loser) . . .
So yes, I am a dreamer,
but firmly grounded in the reality of the
accomplishments I have witnessed
- and their ability and success
encourages me to believe that
if they can do it,
so can others . . .
so can we all
it is real.
This I believe.
Here I am; here I stay. ***
What is “reality”, you ask?
Reality is anything that you make real for yourself.
For example, is this what you are reading and hearing right now “real”?
Are these really letters, colours, pictures and sounds?
Actually, all of what you see and hear here is
nothing but a steady stream of zeros and ones dancing in your computer.
The computer assembles it all, and your brain
collaborates with it to make this appear “real” to you.
Yes, in a way, it is purely an illusion . . .
one that you make your reality,
it is your creation . . .
What else does your brain – your mind –
conjure up and cobble into a “reality” for you?
There are wise ones among us:
I do not want the peace that passeth understanding.
I want the understanding which bringeth peace. 8
Peace is not the absence of conflict
but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict
--alternatives to passive or aggressive responses,
alternatives to violence. 9
Despite all the turmoil, pain and negativity,
there is much good around us -
if we only open our eyes to look,
and our hearts to experience that good;
after all . . .
Everyday we do things,
we are things that have to do with peace.
If we are aware of our life . . .,
our way of looking at things,
we will know how to make peace right in the moment,
we are alive. 10
First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others. 11
If Peace and Love already make their home within you,
let them burst forth – let them radiate outward,
and envelop and dazzle those around you in their flow . . .
Peace grows, one person at a time,
with each one teaching another one,
through our example of words and actions . . . .
If perchance they do not make their dwelling with you yet,
it is easy to open the door to give them entrance . . .
we can all have that peace within us,
- if we so choose –
all it takes to begin - is to think like this:
. . . at Christmas time
I believe the things that children do.
I believe with English children
that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.
I believe with Swiss children
that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.
I believe with Italian children
that La Befana is not an ugly doll
but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.
I believe with Greek children
that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread
will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.
I believe with German children
that the sight of a Christmas tree
will lessen hostility among adults.
I believe with French children
that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl
will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.
I believe with Dutch children
that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky
and fill the earth with joy.
I believe with Swedish children
that Jultomte will come
and deliver gifts to the poor
as well as to the rich.
I believe with Finnish children
that parties held on St.Stephen's Day
will erase sorrow.
I believe with Danish children
that the music of a band playing from a church tower
will strengthen humankind.
I believe with Bulgarian children
that sparks from a Christmas log
will create warmth in human souls.
I believe with American children
that the sending of Christmas cards
will build friendships.
I believe with all children
that there will be peace on earth. 12
When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. 13
Peace is not achieved by controlling nations,
but mastering our thoughts. 14
When you make peace with yourself,
you make peace with the world. 15
Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy,
forgiveness.
To an opponent,
tolerance.
To a friend,
your heart.
To a client/customer,
service.
To every child,
a good example.
To all,
charity.
To yourself,
respect. 16
So let’s each celebrate Christmas . . .
with Peace – Love – Kindness . . .
Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 17
Namaste (which means):
"I honor the place within you
where the entire Universe resides;
I honor the place within you of love,
of light, of truth, of peace, of wisdom;
I honor the place within you,
where, when you are in that place in you,
and I am in that place in me,
there is only one of us:
we are one." 18
Now let the bells ring!
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men. 2
I wish you and yours a wonderful, blessed Christmas.
This crafting is my gift to you,
and I wish for you that
Light,
Peace,
and Love
glow in your life,
or come to live within you.
-Klaas Tuinman+ MA
O, Sanctissima
but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict
--alternatives to passive or aggressive responses,
alternatives to violence. 9
Despite all the turmoil, pain and negativity,
there is much good around us -
if we only open our eyes to look,
and our hearts to experience that good;
after all . . .
Everyday we do things,
we are things that have to do with peace.
If we are aware of our life . . .,
our way of looking at things,
we will know how to make peace right in the moment,
we are alive. 10
First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others. 11
If Peace and Love already make their home within you,
let them burst forth – let them radiate outward,
and envelop and dazzle those around you in their flow . . .
Peace grows, one person at a time,
with each one teaching another one,
through our example of words and actions . . . .
If perchance they do not make their dwelling with you yet,
it is easy to open the door to give them entrance . . .
we can all have that peace within us,
- if we so choose –
all it takes to begin - is to think like this:
. . . at Christmas time
I believe the things that children do.
I believe with English children
that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.
I believe with Swiss children
that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.
I believe with Italian children
that La Befana is not an ugly doll
but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.
I believe with Greek children
that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread
will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.
I believe with German children
that the sight of a Christmas tree
will lessen hostility among adults.
I believe with French children
that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl
will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.
I believe with Dutch children
that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky
and fill the earth with joy.
I believe with Swedish children
that Jultomte will come
and deliver gifts to the poor
as well as to the rich.
I believe with Finnish children
that parties held on St.Stephen's Day
will erase sorrow.
I believe with Danish children
that the music of a band playing from a church tower
will strengthen humankind.
I believe with Bulgarian children
that sparks from a Christmas log
will create warmth in human souls.
I believe with American children
that the sending of Christmas cards
will build friendships.
I believe with all children
that there will be peace on earth. 12
When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. 13
Peace is not achieved by controlling nations,
but mastering our thoughts. 14
When you make peace with yourself,
you make peace with the world. 15
Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy,
forgiveness.
To an opponent,
tolerance.
To a friend,
your heart.
To a client/customer,
service.
To every child,
a good example.
To all,
charity.
To yourself,
respect. 16
So let’s each celebrate Christmas . . .
with Peace – Love – Kindness . . .
Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 17
Namaste (which means):
"I honor the place within you
where the entire Universe resides;
I honor the place within you of love,
of light, of truth, of peace, of wisdom;
I honor the place within you,
where, when you are in that place in you,
and I am in that place in me,
there is only one of us:
we are one." 18
Now let the bells ring!
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men. 2
I wish you and yours a wonderful, blessed Christmas.
This crafting is my gift to you,
and I wish for you that
Light,
Peace,
and Love
glow in your life,
or come to live within you.
-Klaas Tuinman+ MA
O, Sanctissima
__________________________________________
Acknowledgements:
-Reflections on The True Meaning of Christmas KT+
[1] ~Augusta E. Rundell
[2] –I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
[3] ~James Russell Lowell
[4] ~Peyton Conway March
[5] ~Ramona L. Anderson
[6] ~Excerpted/adapted from RoseMarie Reid ~2007
[7] ~Thich Nhat Hanh
*** Klaas Tuinman
[8] ~Helen Keller
[9] ~Dorothy Thompson
[10] ~Thich Nhat Hanh
[11] ~Thomas a Kempis
[12] ~Unknown -contributed by Joan Amirault
[13] ~H.H. the Dalai Lama
[14] ~John Harricharan
[15] ~Maha Ghosananda
[16] ~Oren Arnold
[17] ~Leo Buscaglia
[18] ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Media: O Holy Night
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
__________________________________
Acknowledgements:
-Reflections on The True Meaning of Christmas KT+
[1] ~Augusta E. Rundell
[2] –I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
[3] ~James Russell Lowell
[4] ~Peyton Conway March
[5] ~Ramona L. Anderson
[6] ~Excerpted/adapted from RoseMarie Reid ~2007
[7] ~Thich Nhat Hanh
*** Klaas Tuinman
[8] ~Helen Keller
[9] ~Dorothy Thompson
[10] ~Thich Nhat Hanh
[11] ~Thomas a Kempis
[12] ~Unknown -contributed by Joan Amirault
[13] ~H.H. the Dalai Lama
[14] ~John Harricharan
[15] ~Maha Ghosananda
[16] ~Oren Arnold
[17] ~Leo Buscaglia
[18] ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Media: O Holy Night
Layout Design and Presentation Crafted by KT+
__________________________________
For prayer requests and more, visit our sister site Stella Maris,
- a place where truth and beauty dwells: or write for information.
- a place where truth and beauty dwells: or write for information.
To submit comments, requests or materials,
contact me at: klaas-tuinman@live.ca
contact me at: klaas-tuinman@live.ca
I gladly welcome all article, haiku, humour and poem contributions
For empowerment workshops and seminars see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
For empowerment workshops and seminars see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
 |  |  |  |  |
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