Advent's Inner Blessing

I always feel this time of Advent is very special. We have just held our ‘Advent Spiral Celebration’ here in the Temple at New Lands for families, children and indeed everyone who wished to join in and it was quite magical—the Temple in semi-darkness, the ad hoc choir singing and the children one by one lighting their candles and gradually creating a beautiful spiral of light on the Temple floor. And at the London Lodge we held our traditional Advent Service following this year our community day of celebration and thankfulness as we prepare to move our Lodge at the physical level.

Although Christmas can be a joyously anticipated time of festivity, I know that for many it is very poignant. Perhaps it is the time of year more than any other when loved ones who have passed on are missed. It is also a time which may be particularly lonely for those without (or separated from) their families.

White Eagle’s teaching brings great comfort. He reminds us that our dear ones are only separated from us physically and that we can all learn to feel their never ending love surrounding us, if we put aside the doubting mind of everyday and ‘open our hearts’. For me, advent time is about ‘opening our hearts’. Life in the physical body is so often about change, surrender and acceptance. (This is the Wise Men’s gift of myrrh!). But the Wise Men also brought frankincense—the holy incense which awakens the consciousness to heavenly wisdom and allows us to accept into our hearts the gift of gold. The gold is the absolute certainly of God’s love and care for all of us and the knowledge that ‘nothing happens by chance’. God’s love is perfect. God’s timing is perfect. I believe that the more we can hold onto our faith no matter what, the more we can accept in our hearts the inner blessing of this special time of year.

White Eagle says this of those who have passed into the world of light: 

When you are happy at the Christmas festival wherever you are you can be quite sure that you have with you those you love. At Christmas time your friends come to you and talk to you in their own way. Do not reject impressions which they give to you of their presence and their love.