Allow yourself to put aside everything else for just a few moments. Since you're reading this, you must have a bit of time to invest in Spirit! Begin by simply giving thanks- each of Jesus' demonstrations began with gratitude for what was- in that moment- unseen. Giving thanks for what we cannot yet see allows us to demonstrate our willingness to move forward, which is our faith.
Become still, allow yourself a few cleansing breaths, and focus on your heart area. Simply touching your heart area gently can become a signal to relax, to breathe, to be thankful for the miracle of Life. No matter what else may be happening, you have Life, and that is to be celebrated. Your existence is proof that there is "Something more", something greater than we, in our human-ness, can understand. There is a Source of Life, and for that, we are thankful. Allow yourself to imagine, in your mind's eye, someone or something for which you have genuine appreciation, and rest in that space of gratitude.
Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore shares the following wisdom, "... turn your attention to higher things. Make love alive by thinking love... If we persist in thinking loving thoughts and speaking loving words, we are sure to bring into our experience the feeling of that great love that is beyond description - the very love of God." (Talks on Truth)
What loving words and loving thoughts arise within you? Speak them! Feel them! There is no time, space or distance in Truth. There is no lack, limitation or conflict in Truth. Fillmore suggests further: "... do not be afraid to pour out your love upon all the so-called evil in the world..." Where would you pour out your love? Imagine your Love radiating forth and embracing everyone you know. Imagine your love radiating forth and enveloping those with whom you share difficult relationships. Imagine those relationships made Whole. Imagine those experiencing illness or sadness as happy, healthy, Whole. See their smiling faces as the Light of your Love surrounds them.
Imagine your Love radiating forth, softly and gently filling every space in human consciousness where conflict, lack, disease or any other "evil" appears. Remember that what appears to be "evil" is not real. When exposed to the Light of Truth, it cannot survive. This Love-That-You-Are is the healing power that restores Wholeness. You are the Christ Presence through which this Love expresses, and this Love is the greatest gift you can give. You are the Faith, the Peace, the Love and the Light that God is. This is Truth, and we are blessed by and thankful for this Truth. As you move on into the rest of your day and the holiday season, remember this gift. Remember this Truth. In any moment, you may simply touch your heart, and enjoy giving (and receiving!) this warm gift of Love.
In Faith, Peace, Love and in Light, Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You)
Rev. Nita
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Merry Christmas!
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the following special services:
Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service
Monday, 12/24, 5:00 - 6:00pm
On Christmas Eve, we come together to honor, bless, and acknowledge the birth of our Elder Brother and Way-Shower, Jesus as we also honor, bless, and acknowledge the birth of our ever-increasing awareness of our own Christ Nature. There will be Christmas Carols, prayer and meditation, a re-telling of the Christmas story and what it means to us in our lives, and the symbolic candle-lighting ceremony representing the Light of the Christ within ourselves.
A Family-Style Christmas Morning Service and Potluck
Tuesday, 12/25, 10:30 - 11:30 (Potluck follows)
On Christmas morning, we come together to sing Christmas Carols (family-style, which means a LOT of laughter and NO expectations other than fun!). We'll pray together, enjoy some Christmas Silence, and perhaps share a Christmas memory or two. Afterwards, we'll share a meal. If you don't have other plans, plan on joining us. If you've got a special dish you enjoy cooking, or a special treat you'd like to share, bring it with you! (and... its perfectly okay if your 'specially prepared' Christmas treat comes from the grocery store!)
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UPCOMING LESSONS and EVENTS
12/16: (Nita returns) Advent: Love
12/23: Advent: Joy
12/24: (Monday) Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service: 5:00pm
12/25: (Tuesday) Christmas Morning Service & Potluck: 10:30am
12/30: Another Trip Around the Sun... (End-of-the-month POTLUCK)
12/31: New Year's Eve "Cleansing Release" Service: 6:00pm
DID YOU KNOW...
Audio of our Sunday lessons is available online at our website?You may click here to listen. There's also always a button along the left side of these emails that will take you right to our "Listen" page. You may also listen and subscribe to our channel at Sermon.net And- if you have a mobile device, you can download the Sermon.net app from your App Store and subscribe to our podcasts. When you do, you'll be notified when new audio is available. New lessons are usually posted every couple of weeks.
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Sunday School and Child Care is always available on Sundays
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. If you've got questions, please speak to our YOU teachers: Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, Barbara Richman, LUT, Judyth Willis, and Sunni Adams. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well.
