MINISTER’S LETTER by Rev. Carmen Zappi —
“What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?” — Meister Eckhart
Advent, the season of spiritual preparation for Christmas, begins on Sunday, December 2. The word Advent means “coming” or “appearance” and traditionally refers to God taking human form as the infant Jesus, the only begotten son of God. Unity believes the greater message of Advent and the birth of Jesus is that every person is a begotten child of God. The birth of the baby Jesus so long ago in Bethlehem was the advent of a new awareness in humankind. It was the beginning of the truth that Christ was born not once over two thousand years ago, but is born again and again in the heart of every willing person. A conscious journey through Advent awakens us to a personal miracle of Christmas – knowing that “Christ is born!” here — now — through me — right in the midst of my daily experiences.
The weekly themes of advent are hope, love, peace and joy. I invite you to meditate on these themes each week. It will provide you with a focus for opening your heart and preparing for a new birth of the Christ in your life.
Week 1 – Hope
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27
The Christ child came as the hope for all humanity. Imagine how this precious child came as an infant and grew into the man who taught the divinity of all people. Then ponder the awesome truth that the Christ Spirit is within you, awaiting expression.
Affirmation: The miracle of Christmas Hope is born in me this day.
Week 2 – Love
“Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11-12
Divine love is the truth of your spiritual nature. Christ Love within you is eternal, unconditional and unlimited. Open your heart to it and Divine Love will guide your thoughts, words, and actions. You will radiate love to all people.
Affirmation: The miracle of Christmas Love is born in me this day.
Week 3 – Peace
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us – to guide our feet into the way of peace.” — Luke 1:78-79
Holiday activities can make peace seem a remote idea, but withdrawing into quiet times of prayer will renew your spirit. Be still, open your heart to peace and soon you will find the true meaning of the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).
Affirmation: The miracle of Christmas Peace is born in me this day.
Week 4 – Joy
“I am bringing you good news of great joy.” — Luke 2:10-11
Joy, “the infallible sign of the presence of God” lives within you as part of your spiritual nature. Deep joy is the inevitable result of gratitude. Take time to count all the blessings of life and your joy will burst forth like a mighty fountain.
Affirmation: The miracle of Christmas Joy is born in me this day.
Embrace Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. It will make your Christmas a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus and also the rebirth of your own indwelling Christ Spirit. And with the angels you will sing, “For there is born to you this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Come take the Advent journey with us as and expect Christmas miracles. Sunday services each week, beginning November 27th will focus on the stages of Advent and give you an opportunity to deepen into the Christmas experience.
There will be special candle lighting services on the Sunday before Christmas. We look forward to celebrating Christmas with you.