Season of Advent: Hope, Day 3

Season of Advent

Hope, Day 3

Reading:

…it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep…the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. [1]

Reflection:

The birth of the Christ-child within is a much deeper mystery than what is honored or recognized in most of our Christmas preparations and celebrations. The Christ-child is not simply a baby born 2000 years ago to Jewish peasants in the Middle East. The transforming mystery of the Christ-child is contained in the name Emmanuel, which means God is with us.

The birth of the Christ-child is a personal awakening to a reality already alive within us – the Spirit of God. It occurs outside of our familiar, three-dimensional experience of space and time, however. What we hope for is the inner transformation this awakening brings, which allows for the emergence of a holier, more complete version of ourselves – the eternal and undefiled part of us known by and connected to God. The Christ-child is born as we consciously reunite our spiritual nature with our physical being, as Jesus modeled during his life on earth. The birth of the Christ-child within is reawakening to who we truly are – the image of God from which we were created. It is not so much the birth of something new as much as the emergence of a latent potential lying dormant within.

What we hopefor is the unshakable certainty that we come from and remain connected to God – as we always have been and always will be. Emmanuel.

Closing Meditation:

Consider a few changes to your daily routine that might hasten the emergence of the Christ-child.

Sit quietly as you journal your thoughts.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2026, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Romans 13:11-12