I’m still basking in the glow of my favourite service of the year, our annual Holiday Season service. This year, our Celebration of Light… Lite was held in person at the Innovation Centre and livestreamed on Facebook Live. Although it was certainly a lighter version than some of our holiday extravaganza celebrations of past years (which had large audiences, 10-piece bands, skits, costumes and beautiful decorations, as well as bountiful goodies and connection time afterward), it still held for me the warmth and love that coming together to celebrate is all about.
I saw someone (I think it was Rev. Gwen) commented on our Facebook feed: “Now the holidays have begun, Rev. Barb has sung O Holy Night!” I couldn’t agree more. How blessed we are to have Rev. Barb and Neal sharing their gifts of music and connection with us for close to 20 years! They are lights in our world!
(You can watch and hear a separate video montage of all the songs from yesterday’s Celebration of Light… Lite and see the full version of O Holy Night from our 2019 Celebration of Light!)
Speaking of light, tomorrow is the Winter Solstice which apparently is one of the oldest celebrations of light. I’m pretty sure most of us up here in the northern hemisphere have a special fondness in our hearts for the increasing light being added to our days (until the Summer Solstice and they begin to shrink again). And so the cycles go. I love pulling out to a 80,000-foot view and seeing the unity of all life: the cycles of the seasons, the planets that keep circling in their unique orbits, the stories and metaphors that keep us connected, and even noticing that each living thing breathes the same air.
All of this also reminds me that there is something greater than myself which holds all of these things in place: a superlative Intelligence and Love which some call Spirit, some call Life Energy, and Dr. Ernest Holmes called it The Thing Itself. It’s this that I lean into when I feel fear, doubt or the feelings of having to figure things out on my own. I’d love to be the little reminder for all of us that this power is available to each of us, all the time.
Speaking of time, please remember that the Sunday Six are taking a well-deserved Sunday off next week (December 26) to celebrate Boxing Day.
I’ll be back on January 2nd along with the wonderful Rev. Christy Snow, at our regular time and place (10:30am on Facebook Live) to bring in 2022 with a beautiful ceremony supporting us in releasing the old and welcoming in the New Year. I hope you’ll join us! (Rev. Barb and Neal will be on a well-deserved vacation in Mexico.)
I want to thank all of you for your support in the last year(s). This is the time we traditionally remind everyone that your donations to our registered Non-Profit Society over $50 are tax deductible and you will automatically get a tax receipt emailed to you. This is one of the gifts from our Canadian government that is definitely a win-win for both you and our Centre. Please make sure you take advantage of it. All of your donations made to our Centre prior to December 31st will be added into your receipt for this year. All annual donations over $200 receive an additional tax credit which is a bonus incentive!
Thanks again for your support in what’s been a challenging financial year for us. It’s valued and appreciated, as of course are you!
Lastly, I know the holiday times aren’t all goodness and light for everyone. We all have gone through a couple of challenging years. I know some of us have lost people in our lives, lost jobs, and likely we’re all just tired of the pandemic and all that has come with it. I encourage us all to hang in, knowing that nothing comes to stay; it all comes to pass.
My wishes for each of us are love, joy and peace. May each of us feel love in our hearts; joy in our emotions and peace within our souls this Christmas week, and all-ways!
Dr. Deborah
If you missed yesterday’s Celebration of Light… Lite, you can watch it (and other past services) on the CSLK YouTube channel.
Practitioner of the Week is Rev. Gwen Smith. If you are looking for one-to-one prayer treatment support for ANYTHING, you can contact this practitioner directly via email at gwensmith62@gmail.com.
MIND-FULL MOMENT
“Let us have music for Christmas…
Sound the trumpet of joy and rebirth;
Let each of us try, with a song in our hearts,
To bring peace to men on earth.”
— Mildred L. Jarrell
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