The sky is overcast and I have eaten the last package of oatmeal. Today we will go to the grocery store, which means I will get out of the house. I’ve been staying in for much too long. I’ll make a list this morning and do a few tasks as well.

Life feels low and slow rather than Christmasy. This is thanks to covid covering the planet. I don’t mind it, though.

The Christ Consciousness is born in the heart, but the mind ceaselessly ignores it in favor of its own way.

Does this make us happy? Not at all. That is why Jesus spoke about being meek and lowly at heart. I am not good at that!

The political scene is increasingly menacing and now autocracy is rearing its ugly head. Born not in a manger but in the mind. Factions are masquerading as facts and the cross is being talked about among the betrayers of freedom.

We are counseled not to believe in the world. The world with its empty promises and calories. The world where no one is happy except for the few.

Nevertheless, a donkey is carrying Mary to Bethlehem and soon a miracle will happen. Let it be in our hearts. The good news is that this child is one with God.

The Magi are loading up their donkeys with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. We do not have to use our credit cards in this scenario. Love is timeless and rejoicing will happen at just the right moment. This moment is ours. Let it sink in.

We have tried to find love outside of ourselves when it is only within that it exists. This world is a painful mirage where no water is ever found.

Trust the process of surrendering your pain to the baby in the manger. This is called faith. Do it; be it; surrender to love.

Now back to everyday life. I am out of milk and bread. The grocery store calls.

Vicki Woodyard