For most people, the word ‘Christmas’ brings up thoughts of presents, cookies, days off from work, and holiday travel. However, Christmas is much more than presents and feasts. It’s not just about holidays, parties, and singing carols (although these are, of course, fun ways to celebrate the holidays, and they do have their place). At the heart of Christmas is silence.
Take another look at the song “Silent Night.” While written for the holiday of Christmas, the meaning is universal and can be applied to all people:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silence and peace.
The small mind is like a child, it is always crying and grumbling, and it is dependent like a child. The big mind is like the mother. The little mind sleeps in the lap of the big mind, the little self sleeps in the lap of the universal self, and that is heavenly peace. Heavenly peace is not outside, or somewhere up in the skies. Heaven is when the small mind rests in the lap of the big mind. When the small mind is away from the big mind, there is chaos, confusion, and hell. Then, when the small mind starts crying, it runs to the big motherly mind, and there it sleeps in heavenly peace. That peace is the real peace. Holy is when the mother and child are together. When the individual self sleeps in the lap of the cosmic self, then there is heavenly peace.
Let our life be like a Christmas tree - in a state of equanimity. Whether in winter or summer, fall or spring, the Christmas tree remains the same. So in life, in every situation, keep yourself green!
At the time of year when no tree bears anything, the Christmas tree remains fruitful. It bears all gifts and lights, not for itself but for others. Similarly, the gifts you are carrying in your life are there to be enjoyed by others.
Christmas trees bear gifts for everybody. All that you are given in life is meant to be shared. All your talents, all that you have been bestowed with, it is all meant to help others. You offer the gift of service to anyone in need, and you will wonder at how your own needs are being taken care of. Like the Christmas tree, you will always remain green. So serve, smile, and celebrate!
Merry Christmas!
