16. CHRISTMAS DAYS AMONG OTHER THINGS: LOVE WITHOUT INDIFFERENCE

Friday, December 27th

The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference… The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.
~ Elie Wiesel

This birth is not to be taken lightly.

Almost every part of Jesus’ earthly life story is incredible–and should be life changing for us. From his humble birth, he lived a life of simplicity, he walked with integrity and faith (amid challenges and threats), he taught with wisdom, he showed us the way of radical love, he chose to forgive us all as he suffered and died, and through his resurrection, he revealed our eternal life. Jesus came in love, to show us love, so that we might live in love. As we celebrate his birth, as we celebrate that God is with us, we can rejoice with joyful gladness!

But this celebration is also an invitation…

Now that we have celebrated Jesus’ birth, will we put away our nativity crèches and get on with our usual lives? Or are we going to remember him with love, seek him with mindfulness, follow him with devotion, and serve him with joy?

Will we deepen in faith and wisdom?
Will we courageously listen and heed holy nudges?
Will we care for one another, forgive one another?
Will we challenge ourselves to do more in service to others?
Will we be sacred stewards of this creation?
Will we share the joy of beloved community?

The love of God in Christ is here with us. We are invited to embrace this love and live AS his love in the world. May we accept this invitation humbly, wholeheartedly–and always, lovingly.

Happy Days of Christmas, dear friends. This is the last post of the series, An Advent Among Other Things. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

(Photo by Karen)