Maria Gonzalez Blog
Mindful Leadership
Reflecting on the Meaning of Christmas
The holiday season is quickly approaching and we are a week away for Christmas Day. The busyness and stress level are palpable. There is more on the To Do lists than time available. Shopping is at a feverish pitch. And in all of this commotion, it appears that many have forgotten what Christmas is all about.
I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. If we quiet all the noise around this holiday we have fabricated, we see that this is a wonderful opportunity to regenerate. As the days are shorter and nights are longer, the early darkness beckons us to slow down, not speed up. If we listen to nature, we will notice a deep stillness. And, there is a very deep and healing peace in this stillness.
When I reflect about the meaning of Christmas, for me it is about love, compassion and deep humility. When we combine these with the stillness that is there in every moment, it can be a very healing time, if we take the time to notice and reflect. Certainly Christmas is a Christian religious holiday. But, it is much more than that. It is a time to spread goodwill to all beings that grace this planet; a time to reflect on the fact that we share a common humanity and a common Source. This is a Divine time to put differences aside and notice the Oneness of all. And we can see this most clearly, when we stop for at least a moment, to catch our breath and slow down. By slowing down we are better able to bring joy to our lives and the lives of others, and to savour the holiday season.
This week I heard a beautiful Christmas song I had never heard before. It is called “Mary, Did You Know” and is written by Michael English. The song was performed by Jordan Smith, the winner of the Voice this season. Jordan has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. But, what is most inspiring about Jordan is his ability to be completely present when he performs. He performs with the most incredible humility. And as he sings, we are privileged to hear the Divine sing through him.
I hope you enjoy it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Ux80jK3bI
I wish you a Merry Christmas, a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and may 2016 be filled with many blessings and Mindful moments.
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