Peace
“In
the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his
Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the
universe.”
Hebrews 1:1-2
Reflection
Why is it that we so often
feel compelled to live our lives in the past? Why do we so
frequently attempt to build our current days based on false manifestation of the "perfection" of
yesterday? You’ve heard the expressions:
“Those were the good ‘ol days!” “Remember when…?” “Things are
just not like they used to be.” "I wish I could go back..."
I am
especially reminded of this during the Christmas season because many of us are drawn to the tendency of focusing so much
on tradition. As soon as the decorations
come out, the festive music starts playing and we watch our favorite TV shows, we allow ourselves to be transported to another place and time. Many of us think back to Christmases that we experienced when were younger, and long
for those nostalgic feelings that captured us then. In an effort to recreate memories of yesterday,
we strive to re-create a Christmas that mimics those of our past.
The problem with nostalgia
is that it manipulates our focus to rest on something that doesn't exists. The past remains only in the memories of the ego, leaving us unable to relive the days that
have been. The only thing in which we
have control over is the present moment. The passage of time is an illusion, and ruminating on the past doesn't serve our highest good. The past is no longer. Tomorrow
will be. Today is what it is.
As we come to the closing of the second week of Advent, let us remember to rest in the peace of the present. God once spoke to the people of Israel through the prophets of old,
and revealed the coming of Christ. For a time
God was silent, and God's people longed with nostalgia for the days when he spoke. But, it was in their present moment that God spoke again. Christ came into the world. No more longing. No more looking back. Emmanuel, God with us!
Prayer
God, in the quiet of this
moment, help us to live our lives in the all encompassing peace of your presence. Enable us to rest in the great blessing of the present moment, coming to the realization that it is all that exists. Free us from the illusion of time, opening our hearts to what is. In your presence, there is no past. There is no future. You are with us now, and that is more than enough.
Amen
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