This year's Christmas is the 2002nd celebration of
the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, on whose life and teachings the Christian
religions are founded. The story of Jesus' nativity is full of universal
symbols and sentiments, and often strikes a spiritual chord in non-Christians
as well.
For example, long before Jesus was born, people celebrated
the winter solstice in late December, when the long winter nights
start to become shorter and the sun begins to rise higher in the sky.
The winter solstice is the time of the earth's rebirth, of hope for
the coming New Year. And Jesus' birth represents humanity's greatest
hope; namely, that God will assume physical form.
On the eve of His nativity, Jesus' family was poor
and homeless, and so He was born in a stable, surrounded by animals.
That a divine child should be born in such humble material surroundings
was a revolutionary event, inspiring people everywhere to consider
the idea that material wealth does not determine spiritual worth.
After predicting Jesus' birth through the use of astrology,
three wise men came from the east to bring Him gifts. This tradition
of gift giving continues to the present day, and the image of Santa
Claus is often used to stir up excitement over giving and receiving
presents at Christmastime. The birth of a blessed child naturally
calls for celebration, and what better time for festive gatherings
than when the cold and darkness of winter are at a peak. Christmas
is a time of good cheer everywhere it is celebrated.
Honoring the birth of Jesus helps us all to remember
His wonderful teachings of peace and love, which are especially important
today, when the world appears to be moving closer to war and turbulence.
Today's Quan Yin practitioners are especially blessed
to have a living Master, Who can give us the practical help we need
to understand our divine origins. Under Supreme Master Ching Hai's
loving guidance, let us make a heaven of this world, so that every
child born to us will remember and express his/her innate divinity
and love.
