Christmas and Yule 2000 - message from Ralph

a candle reminds us on our inner light

Dear friends - Liebe Freunde,

The traditional aspect:
It does not matter that astronomers found out that Jesus was born in the summer month of August: if Jesus is considered to be or bring the Light of the world, it is only obvious, that no other time in the year than Winter Solstice is appropriate to remember and celebrate this.

Most of us don't know, that about 80 years ago the red with white outfit of Santa Claus was designed by a company called "Coca Cola" - and this does not matter. But we should remember the real roots of Christmas:

Since ancient times people all over the world were aware, that the world and nature around them reflect the illustriousness of the force, which created all.
Are we aware, that every plant, every being and even stones, water and air reflect and represent this creative force and therefore should be considered being divine and treated in a respectful manner?

Our ancestors in Europe, which we often refer to as Pagans, had this wisdom and respect for nature, similar to the Native American people. They celebrated the rebirth of the light at Winter Solstice - the point of return, which gets born 3 days later at Yule. The light is always born from the dark womb of the night.

Giving away presents to others is a gesture of sharing this new-born light with others. The Christmas tree, the ivy, the mistletoe, the timing of Christmas, the 3 magicians honouring Jesus' birth etc.: all are of Pagan origin. Do we remember and honour what we inherited from this tradition?

I hope for a reconciliation of our old Pagan traditions with the Christian belief and wish, that Pagans and Christians respect each other.

The spiritual aspect:
Spiritual teachings always have a deeper meaning behind the obvious story. Historic "facts" and details become unimportant, when we understand the message. The birth of Light (symbolised by the sun as well as by Jesus) is a symbolic reminder, which may help us to allow this Light being born in our hearts.

Jesus of Nazareth embodied the eternal Christ energy. The Biblical prophecy of the Second Coming of Christ will most probably happen as a collective awakening and remembering in our hearts.

The 12 days between Christmas (26 Dec) and Epiphany (in Germany called 'Heilige 3 Könige', 6 Jan) is a period of transformation; the last 6 of the old and the first 6 days of the new year. Many become ill as part of a healing process, so our soul has time for integration.

According to some spiritual teachings each of these 12 days is energetically connected with one of the months of the next year: 26 Dec=Jan, 27 Dec=Feb etc. What we do and where we focus our attention on affects and presets kind of energetic frames for the next year.

How will you spend this time? - Ralph

 

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logo: Dances of Universal Peace (circle of linked hearts) in a circle of snow men holding hands

Graphic by Vitalija Zelenevska

Dancing and chanting

we link our hearts

in a circle.

Thus Mother Earth gives birth

to the Light

and becomes

a shining star

in the winter night

Text: Ralph Nimmann

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Foto: Ralph Nimmann '99

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