"On Them Has Light Shined"

The Prophecy of Isaiah 
Isaiah 9:2, 6 
 
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace.’”
 
We interpret this scripture thusly:  Some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed his coming. In you and me, Isaiah represents the earliest recognition, within our soul, of a higher self. Isaiah represents, within us, that which is capable of discerning more to life than physical and material satisfaction. The Isaiah of us holds to this realization throughout all time, until such time as we are capable of realizing and bringing into full light the expression of our true individual Christ identity.
 
During these winter months, our natural instinct is to rest and reflect.  As we approach Christmas Day, I encourage you to practice extreme self-care.  Seek companionship when you feel lonely.  Seek solitude when you feel overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season.  Most of all, take time to reflect on the birth of the Christ.  We celebrate with traditional Christmas festivities, we rejoice with the stories of old.  And, once again, we are reminded that the Christ was born within each human spirit.  Our Christmas holiday is truly about YOU, how you came to earth to be the living expression of the living Christ.
 
We move through Christmas into our New Year’s rituals: releasing that which is unlike the Christ, expressing the qualities that allow our true selves to shine.  This year, do shine.  Shine brightly, shine fearlessly.  Shine your light for all to see! 
 
We invite you to join us this Sunday for our Christmas candle lighting service. Please see the calendar for other holiday services and festivities.
 
Unlimited love and Christmas blessings, Rev. Carla