Contemplative Christmas

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Advent: Love, Day 1

Reading:

“If I give away all my possessions…but do not have love, I gain nothing.” [1]

Reflection:

The third theme of Advent is Love, a term which so has many meanings and applications in English as to almost be meaningless. With respect to the birth of the Christ-child within, Love is a verb, meaning it refers to transformative action. If we admire a manger scene, we may say we love the nativity, but neither we nor the portrayal are changed by that sort of adoration. If we love hearing the Christmas story read on Christmas Eve, we may experience a moment of good feelings, but neither we nor others are transformed in any significant way by that sort of appreciation. The Love offered at Christmastime is usually presented in words and nice feelings may accompany it, but if we do not transform those words and feelings into concrete action, meaning personal change or repentance, that type of love vanishes as quickly as autumn leaves in the winter wind.

The Love of Christmas is directed outward. Transformative Love is a circuit – it is sent out, received, and returned in some fashion, which is what makes it transformational. And love that is not directed outward cannot return to or change us. If it is not given by us or received by another, it may be a nice gesture but it is not Love. Love of self is important, but the transforming impacts of Love come from having loving actions we freely initiated toward others return to us. And sincere, unconditional acts of Love do return to us, although not always as or when we expect.

Transformational Love perpetuates itself through its movement between beings.

Closing Meditation:

Reflect on a time you experienced a loving act that was transformational. What set it apart?

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

Optional Music Video: The Love That You Are

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] 1 Corinthians 13:3