Minister's Message

December 2003

Dear Ones:

Thanksgiving is almost behind us and our thoughts are turning towards the Christmas season. What are our Holiday intentions? I invite each of us to reflect upon this joy-filled time of the year and make conscious choices about where we focus our time, energy, talents, and monetary resources.

As the holidays approach why not ask yourself a few simple questions as you undertake your traditional activities. Have you slipped into unconscious thought patterns that the holidays will be busy, lonely, stress-filled, or exhausting? Do you expect to do things "out of obligation" or habit or that you really do not enjoy this Christmas; if so choose again! You can choose, in this very instant, to readjust your thinking, and instead make conscious, Spirit-guided decisions about how you experience this season.

Christmas time is about welcoming the re-birth of your Christ Consciousness; of turning from the dark that is experienced in the outer world to embrace the Light that shines from within. Come nurture your Christ Light at our annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 PM, where everyone receives a special blessing. All are welcome to experience the loving glow of this inner birth.

Ring in the New Year with our first New Year’s Eve burning bowl service December 31st at 7 PM. As an awakened community, we will joyfully release the past and set positive goals for 2004. This powerful spiritual experience lays the groundwork for our individual and collective spiritual journey in 2004.

Give yourself the gift of spiritual renewal this Christmas season. Gather in our sacred community and celebrate the Divinity within. Spend time consciously beholding the Christ in yourself, your family, and all those you meet, in every activity. "Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give." So give the gift of conscious love this holy season and let your Christ Light shine!

Merry Christmas and blessed holy days to you and your loved ones,

Reverend Morgan
minister@unityofappleton.org