A Celebration of Love

I have always loved this time of year. The combination of Christmas and Solstice, a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the end of one year in gratitude and the onset of a new year with hope, has always given me a sense of rightness and comfort.

This year, when the whole world is at war,
This year, when families, friends, and communities are at dagger points clinging desperately to their differences,
This year, when the beliefs that had kept us feeling secure have blown up in our faces and lie shattered on the ground,
This year it is hard to continue to believe in the possibilities of Peace, Joy, Love.

How can I trim a tree, hang and fill stockings, sing carols, wrap gifts for family and friends, plan a celebratory dinner when so many are struggling to avoid being killed, or are determined to kill.
How can I be at peace when so many are in desperate straits with little or no shelter, food, water, security, or peace?

And then I think.
Perhaps it’s my job to act from that which I know in my bones: There is only Perfect Love, and I am called to live that Universal Truth every day, especially in these devastating times when it seems that darkness will take over the world, never to be banished.

It is not “hope” I celebrate this Solstice as the sun begins its return.

This year, set aside your hopes and prayers for peace.
Instead, join me as I
Stand for Peace
Stand for Kindness
Stand for uncompromising Love
Stand for the Light that is never diminished or vanquished, regardless of how dark it seems.
Join me as I celebrate the return of the sun this Solstice day.
Join me as I decorate my tree, light my candles, and put my gaily wrapped gifts beneath the tree.

Celebrate this season with me, in whatever tradition calls to you, with gratitude, forgiveness, assurance, and joy.

Blessings, Charlotte

Edited by Monique Huenergardt of MoReadsYou.com