  Spiritual
This week: A Season of Light and Hope Edited by: Sophy New Year  
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Hi, I'm Sophy New Year ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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The Hope of the Season
As the days shorten and December plunges us into deepening darkness here in the Northern Hemisphere, many people of faith observe spiritual celebrations of light. Pagans celebrate Winter Solstice as the beginning of the return of the sun, while our Jewish friends observe Hanukkah, a “festival of lights” memorializing their victory over a tyrant king and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hindus recently celebrated the festival of Diwali.
In this gathering winter darkness, Christians observe Advent during the four weeks prior to Christmas by lighting candles on wreaths. Congregations around the world light candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love – each reminding us that the “Light shines in the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it.” This is the promise of Advent, during which Christians prepare for the returning of light of the world in Jesus.
The light of Christmas is associated with a baby born to parents in vulnerable circumstances. The gospel writers depict Jesus' birth into a dark and dangerous world governed by the brutal politics of an elite ruling class. Two thousand years later, our world is eerily similar. It may seem counterintuitive to look for hope in an infant and his dispossessed family, yet this year I see the connection profoundly in the tragic situation of Syrian refugees. As many around the world call for slamming borders shut in the faces of desperate immigrant families, my heart recalls a young refugee couple who were also turned away from the inn.
The possibility of peace, the hope for justice, the experience of unexpected joy, and the love of God’s creation can only be realized by shining the light of compassion into the darkest corners of our world. Summoning our concern for the well being of strangers, particularly for those who are most vulnerable, is the only way human society will overcome the tyranny of fear, violence, and greed that has so long dominated our existence.
The angels of this season implore us to “fear not,” and so it is my hope is that we will all renounce fear by welcoming those who need us the most. This is the meaning of this sacred season. Therefore, may a sacred light which summons the best of our humanity guide us, as we embrace one another as sisters and brothers, all members of God’s family, regardless of our religion, skin color, or circumstance.
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Below you'll find some spiritual offerings from other WDC members. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review. I realize I post mostly poems, but that is because it is tough to find other types of spiritual writing on the site. If you have something you would like me to highlight, please do share it with me, thanks!
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Now for some comments about my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (November 11, 2015)" about Listening:
From paeggan
Thank you for your good reminder, Sophy. Your piece is well written, and certainly encouraged me to 'listen' as I read it.
P. Watson Guise
Thank you for your kind words! 
       
From amyjo-Keeping it real and fun! 
I appreciate this newsletter. I enjoy the articles and the different submissions and editor's picks that you choose. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
From ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy
"listening and responding wisely without causing pain"..........came my way, your reader, just after I was writing about 'how do I respond to this particular person whose bigoted attitude causes emotional pain to her daughter and to me".............Your message has influenced how I may respond to that person; before reading this, I was read to be blunt, too direct, perhaps mean.............However, your words reminds me, "If she has felt so harshly about the subject for her 92 years, I should not expect kindness and understanding in dealing with the subject conversationally with her." "She" is my "mother-in-law" who has clearly known more than 20 years that her daughter, my sweetheart & wife, was/is/always will be a lesbian. Your newsletter purpose has influenced me...I will not be so darn forward, but recognize her personal lifelong beliefs have so much power on her, she can never 'accept' what she knows is the truth nor understand how it hurts the heart of her daughter. So, I will be humble and wise in dealing with this adversary. Thanks. Ann
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Thank you for sharing - I admire your resolve, especially in such a personal and hurtful situation. I found, with my own parents, being slow to speak and slower to anger, helped their ideas change as well as strengthened our relationship. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
From Quick-Quill 
http://www.amazon.com/Listen-Rene-Gutteridge-ebook/dp/B00371V7KQ/ref=sr_1_9?s=bo...
This book will amaze you. Its about Listening. The story is simple but powerful. What happens when someone is listening to your private conversations then posting to a webpage free to anyone to read?
Thank you for sharing this, I will check it out.
From mollyworks
I do not share your belief that there are many paths to God. There is only One, His Son Jesus Christ. I do not follow the Great Whore of Babalon spoken of in the book of Revelation, she is the world religion already forming through the guise of "interfaith". I pray you repent and return to your first love...being Born Again.
I do not share your beliefs - nor do I expect you follow mine. I pray you find the love and light of the Spirit to replace your judgmental condemnation of others who do not share your beliefs.
From kdelightful
Good Day to You!
This reading is so inspiring and helpful, thank you for such a reminder of watching what we say. It is still and always will be relevant for this season and century. Please don't stop posting these inspirational nuggets. :)
I will do my best! Thank you.
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming - and Happy Holidays! Sophy New Year |
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Spiritual: December 09, 2015 Issue [#7355]
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