Christmas is an opportunity to see beyond the surface. If
we really look at it, Christmas is an opportunity to see the
"Christ" in everyone. So often, though, we get caught up with
the surface commotions. We look for surface gifts to give each
other rather than seeing the true gifts of Christmas.

At Christmas we will either get caught up in surface conflicts,
or we will take this opportunity to go beyond them. If we look
beyond all the surface commotions of our families, we will come
to the real asking beneath everything. The real asking always is:
"Am I loved unconditionally?" "Do you see my worth?" The gifts
you have to give at this moment are these two gifts: "Yes, I am
willing to invite in unconditional love for you, and yes, I am
willing to see your true Worth?"

The willingness to give these two gifts will take us beyond our
old judgments, our old pains and resentments, our old patterns,
to the light beyond.

Christmas is a celebration of Light. It is an opportunity to go
beyond the darkness to the Light of Christ within all of us.

Prayer:
At any get-to-gether, 
help me to see beyond my judgments to the Truth.
Help me know that beyond all the surface attempts of gift giving 
are the real gifts.
Help me hear beyond the surface commotions to the real askings.
Take me beyond all these things to the "Christ" light this Christmas.

For your consideration,

 -- The Guides