As I usually do this time of year, I reflect on the teachings of Jesus as we celebrate his birth.
While Jesus sometimes spoke in parables to help those around him understand his teachings in a context they could grasp, very often he pretty much cut to the chase.
From John: “A new command I give you: Love one another”
From Matthew: “Love your neighbors”
And the real clincher, from Matthew and Luke: “Love your enemies”.
Love one another.
Pretty simple.
Not: “Love some people” or “Love those you think deserve it” or “Love only those who love you” or “Love those who agree with you”
Love one another. Everyone. No exceptions.
Simple concept, yet we really struggle with this one.
We struggle because we believe that love is a scarce commodity- to be parceled out selectively.
As if we could actually run out.
We struggle because we think love is something that must be earned for ourselves or by others; that it is conditional.
As if we were the best judge of who is or isn’t worthy.
Or, we can’t seem to access the loving inside of us because it is covered and smothered by self judgment and judgment of others.
Our hearts are closed, as we have not yet forgiven.
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that Love is ours to give in the first place. It is more accurate to see ourselves as conduits; each of us created as a channel for the Love of God to break through to the created world, and each in our own most beautifully unique way to be an expression of that Love.
Love is central to Jesus’ teachings. Many believe that from where Jesus saw and experienced the world, he could see that the Kingdom of God- the experience of heaven on earth- was already here. It wasn’t some place we go when we die, or someplace we have to earn our way into- it was “in and around us” a gift of pure Grace. And one of the keys to this kingdom?
Love. Love one another. Love each other as God loves us. Be the conduit for God’s love on this Earth, and through this experience that which He is, and that for which he created us in the first place.
At my workplace this week, there was a lot of talk about dreading the holidays because of the need to be with family members that we don’t like or don’t get along with.
This season, I encourage us all to try something a little different.
Just Love. Everyone. Each encounter. Open our hearts fully. Love without expectation. Love unconditionally.
Love Irrationally.
Why? Well, Jesus did tell us to- but there is a better reason.
Jesus was trying to point the way to a different experience for us. An experience of heaven- of God’s Kingdom- while we are still here; right now, in the present moment. And the path to this experience is to freely Love- open our hearts to allow God’s Love to flow unfettered through us to others without reservation.
Let’s give it a try ; and I think we may have a more peaceful, joyful, and-yes- Loving- experience of this season- and every season.
And remember the “unconditional” part…. I stumble on that one all the time.
Blessings of Love, Peace and Joy to all of you.
I love you all
An Instrument of Your Peace 
As always … beautifully expressed. ‘Love Only ‘is one of the themes of our Spiritual Center. I embrace the idea of ‘intentional love’ instead of ‘unconditional’ love so I can remember that it doesn’t matter what someone else does, says, or feels about me. My ‘intention’ is to just (as Mary would say), reside in My Loving! Happy Holidays. Lovingly, Ellen