This document provides an interpretation of the Christian Nativity Story from a spiritual perspective. It summarizes that:
1) The story represents both the historical birth of Jesus as well as a symbolic representation of the "new birth" or awakening of our true spiritual self.
2) Key figures like Gabriel and Mary represent spiritual concepts - Gabriel signifies an exalted spiritual idea from God, while Mary symbolizes the "virgin soul" focused solely on spiritual values.
3) When understood spiritually, the story teaches that spiritual growth and change occurs not through our own efforts but through a willingness to surrender to divine will, like the virgin Mary accepted God's plan.
The document discusses Mariology, the study of Mary. It outlines some of the key beliefs about Mary based on Scripture, including that she is the Mother of God, as Jesus is both fully God and fully human. The four main Marian dogmas discussed are: 1) Divine Motherhood - that Mary is the mother of God; 2) Perpetual Virginity - that Mary remained a virgin her whole life; 3) Immaculate Conception - that Mary was conceived without original sin; and 4) Assumption - that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. The document provides biblical evidence for these doctrines and explains Mary's important role in salvation history and relationship to God.
- God the Son took on a human nature like our own in the Incarnation. The Annunciation was when Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Jesus was then born in Bethlehem.
- The main titles of Jesus are "Jesus," meaning "God saves," "Christ," meaning "anointed one," "Lord," "Son of God," and "Son of Man," indicating his divinity and humanity.
- The "Word became flesh" in the Incarnation, as stated in the Nicene Creed. It affirms Jesus is both true God and true man, rejecting heresies like Docetism that denied his humanity.
The document discusses many titles that are used in reference to Jesus in the Christian scriptures and tradition. It explores titles like Son of God, Son of Man, Christ, Lord, Rabbi, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of the Jews, and others. It also examines titles related to Mary like Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception, Assumption. Key events and councils that relate to the establishment of these titles are summarized as well.
The document discusses St. Mary's virginity from an Orthodox perspective. It notes that her virginity is a biblical reality that is important for Christology, as it proves Jesus was not conceived through human means but was the Son of God. Her perpetual virginity is supported by prophecies in scripture. The Virgin Birth signifies that salvation comes through God's grace alone, not human efforts. It also correlates to our spiritual rebirth in Christ and establishes the heavenly kingdom among humanity.
This is a study of Jesus as Immanuel and what that name means. It means God with us, but there is confusion on that and so some questions need to be dealt with. He was God with us, and yet he was not the Father, but in Him the Father was with us.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 006: "The Holy Family & the Hidden Years"BibleAlive
1. Many depictions of the Holy Family portrayed Joseph and Mary as living in emotional isolation to avoid temptation, with Joseph as a "make-believe" father. However, the Gospels present them as a true husband and wife.
2. Matthew emphasizes that God gave Jesus and Mary to Joseph as his true son and wife. Joseph named Jesus, legally making him his heir, not just a legal arrangement.
3. Joseph treated Mary and Jesus with reverential awe and distance as the mother of the Messiah, but they were still a true family united by their care for Jesus.
The document discusses Mary, the mother of Jesus. It provides background on Mary's parents and her betrothal to Joseph. It then recounts the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus, who would be the Son of God. Mary expressed her confusion but ultimately responded that she was God's servant. The document also includes the Hail Mary prayer honoring Mary.
The document discusses Mariology, the study of Mary. It outlines some of the key beliefs about Mary based on Scripture, including that she is the Mother of God, as Jesus is both fully God and fully human. The four main Marian dogmas discussed are: 1) Divine Motherhood - that Mary is the mother of God; 2) Perpetual Virginity - that Mary remained a virgin her whole life; 3) Immaculate Conception - that Mary was conceived without original sin; and 4) Assumption - that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. The document provides biblical evidence for these doctrines and explains Mary's important role in salvation history and relationship to God.
- God the Son took on a human nature like our own in the Incarnation. The Annunciation was when Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Jesus was then born in Bethlehem.
- The main titles of Jesus are "Jesus," meaning "God saves," "Christ," meaning "anointed one," "Lord," "Son of God," and "Son of Man," indicating his divinity and humanity.
- The "Word became flesh" in the Incarnation, as stated in the Nicene Creed. It affirms Jesus is both true God and true man, rejecting heresies like Docetism that denied his humanity.
The document discusses many titles that are used in reference to Jesus in the Christian scriptures and tradition. It explores titles like Son of God, Son of Man, Christ, Lord, Rabbi, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of the Jews, and others. It also examines titles related to Mary like Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception, Assumption. Key events and councils that relate to the establishment of these titles are summarized as well.
The document discusses St. Mary's virginity from an Orthodox perspective. It notes that her virginity is a biblical reality that is important for Christology, as it proves Jesus was not conceived through human means but was the Son of God. Her perpetual virginity is supported by prophecies in scripture. The Virgin Birth signifies that salvation comes through God's grace alone, not human efforts. It also correlates to our spiritual rebirth in Christ and establishes the heavenly kingdom among humanity.
This is a study of Jesus as Immanuel and what that name means. It means God with us, but there is confusion on that and so some questions need to be dealt with. He was God with us, and yet he was not the Father, but in Him the Father was with us.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 006: "The Holy Family & the Hidden Years"BibleAlive
1. Many depictions of the Holy Family portrayed Joseph and Mary as living in emotional isolation to avoid temptation, with Joseph as a "make-believe" father. However, the Gospels present them as a true husband and wife.
2. Matthew emphasizes that God gave Jesus and Mary to Joseph as his true son and wife. Joseph named Jesus, legally making him his heir, not just a legal arrangement.
3. Joseph treated Mary and Jesus with reverential awe and distance as the mother of the Messiah, but they were still a true family united by their care for Jesus.
The document discusses Mary, the mother of Jesus. It provides background on Mary's parents and her betrothal to Joseph. It then recounts the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus, who would be the Son of God. Mary expressed her confusion but ultimately responded that she was God's servant. The document also includes the Hail Mary prayer honoring Mary.
This document discusses Christ as the antidote to death and how believers can progress from glory to glory through repentance and turning to God. It teaches that through beholding God's glory in scripture, believers are constantly being transfigured into Christ's image. It also addresses how purging out old ways of thinking allows one to partake of the unleavened bread of purity, sincerity and truth. Finally, it touches on humanity reflecting God's nature as light and being begotten by God to eventually realize our true identity as Christ.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 005: “The Beginning of the Gospel”BibleAlive
The document discusses the virginal conception of Jesus Christ based on passages from the New Testament and historical context. It argues that the conception was not derived from Greek mythology but has roots in Jewish tradition of barren women giving birth. While the conception cannot be proven as a biological fact, historical evidence does not contradict it and it is accepted through faith. The conception reveals the radical gift of God in Jesus and his divine sonship as the pure creation of the Holy Spirit, expressing his filial relationship to God the Father.
The document discusses the central role of Mary, Mother of God in Catholic theology and doctrine. It summarizes teachings from several popes and saints about how Mary acts as an intercessor between humanity and God, and mediates the distribution of graces from God. It emphasizes that devotion to Mary through prayers like the Rosary allow one to find the path to Christ.
- Baptism is the sacrament by which we become Christians. It frees us from Original Sin, makes us children of God and members of the Church. Baptism is conferred by immersion in water or pouring water over the head with the Trinitarian formula.
- Confirmation completes Christian initiation begun in Baptism, making us spiritually adult with an indelible seal. It equips us for living the Christian life in the world through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is conferred by anointing the forehead with chrism and the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."
- Both sacraments perpetuate the grace of Pentecost and are
The document summarizes the theme and objectives of WABI 2015, which focused on Mary, a woman of humility, simplicity, and charity. It then provides details on the annunciation, nativity, visitation, and the virtues of humility, simplicity, and charity that Mary exemplified. It encourages developing these virtues through prayer, community, and proclaiming the good news of Christ.
Salvation history is the progressive unfolding of God's plan to save humanity from sin and death after the Fall. This plan involves a series of covenants and promises from God to figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets, all preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Key promises included preserving life (Noah), establishing a chosen people and blessing the world (Abraham), giving the law and bringing them to the Promised Land (Moses), and founding an everlasting kingdom (David). The deeper reason for these promises was to prefigure Christ, who would bring full and final salvation.
St. Joseph is held up as the model of fatherhood. His heart formed Jesus and allowed for Jesus' human, intellectual, pastoral, and moral formation. St. Joseph is revealed as a just man in relation to God, obeying the angels' messages. He is also the spouse of Mary, loving her as Christ loves the Church. His willingness to take Mary into his home despite the risks reveals his merciful heart. St. Joseph's role in forming Jesus in the home of Nazareth is highlighted.
This document discusses biblical topics related to "strong meat" or deeper spiritual truths. It covers the order of Melchisedec, Jesus as our high priest, the three angels' messages, and the importance of understanding the sanctuary message in connection with the 2300 day prophecy. It emphasizes that present truth about the sanctuary and Christ's ministry there is what God's people need now to unite and sanctify them.
The document provides an overview of what constitutes the gospel according to Pastor Charles E. Whisnant. It discusses that the gospel is more than just believing in Jesus, but also includes God redeeming humanity and including people in His kingdom through Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. It notes four key ingredients that make the gospel effective: it must be preached in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and with assurance. The document examines the characteristics of true saving faith, including production, affection, continuation, transformation, and jubilation. It discusses how the believers in Thessalonica became examples to others and strong witnesses through their exemplary lives and faith in God.
In talking about the humanity of Christ we must not rely on our reason alone rather we look in the eyes of faith so that we may see the truth clearly. On the other hand, we cannot separate the reason and faith for they must go hand in hand.
As St. Augustine says, faith seeks understanding. Moreover, scripture presents to us the evidences to prove the humanity of Christ. This will be our guide to have an idea on the life of Christ. In addition, the truth by which our early fathers of the church passed on to us will be part of this topic. The error of the teaching of some early Christians will also be included.
This document discusses finding peace through discerning God's will with the help of the Holy Family. It describes the Holy Family experiencing struggles but also peace not of this world. The Holy Family is presented as a model for discerning God's will through creating an interior life like their own at Nazareth. The document urges building a civilization of love and discerning if one has received a "call within a call" to help with this new springtime of the Church. It provides seven principles for discerning holy desires with peace as an important sign of God's presence.
- The Lord's Prayer, also called the Our Father, is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray.
- It is composed of an opening invocation, petitions regarding God, and petitions for our needs.
- We pray "Our Father" because through baptism we have become children of God, and praying "who art in heaven" helps raise our minds to heavenly things and God, who is not contained by creation.
1. Multiple popes over the past 50+ years have pointed to an impending "new springtime" for Christianity centered around the renewal of the Christian family.
2. The Holy Family is held up as the model for all Christian families, with the home in Nazareth representing the "domestic church."
3. Entering into the mysteries of the Holy Family's life in Nazareth, such as living according to the virtues of marriage, sexual purity, and finding God in oneself and others, can transform one's modern home into a reflection of the original "Temple of God."
This document provides guidance on creating a spirit of Nazareth in one's heart during Lent by following Christ's example of obedience, dialogue with God, and fidelity to one's state in life. It outlines a daily Lenten program of prayer and reflection. It emphasizes emulating the Holy Family by finding holiness in marriage and family duties. While most will find holiness as spouses and parents, some may receive a call to mentor other families on their spiritual journey. The goal is to discern God's will through obedience, silence, and openness to however He may be calling one to fulfill their vocation.
First, there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and the are written in the book of Corinthians not Luke.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will”.
1. Jesus heals to display God's works, call people to faith in Him, and bring glory to God.
2. Jesus healed the blind man by making mud from spit and anointing his eyes, telling him to wash in Siloam. The man was healed.
3. Responses to healing include faith in obeying Jesus, and unbelief stemming from pride like the Pharisees showed.
This document provides guidance for observing Lent through creating Nazareth in one's heart by entering into prayer and discernment. It recommends daily practices like lectio divina, rosary, and examination of conscience. The weekly program involves discernment and putting aside guides to have a direct dialogue with God in prayer. It discusses St. Joseph's example of prayer, and the stages of prayer according to St. Teresa of Avila from vocal to contemplative. It relates the visions of St. John Bosco calling him to help boys, and encourages praying the rosary while walking in nature to contemplate the mysteries.
Achieve a greater understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during this glorious season of the year with 7 daily readings from NIV Scripture passages that examine the Passion narratives in the Gospels.
The document discusses the formation of the human person through relationships. It notes that God wills humans to be formed by other humans, as seen in Jesus being obedient to Mary and Joseph and growing in wisdom. There are four types of formation: human, intellectual, pastoral, and moral. Formation occurs through experience and interpersonal communion, as relationships shape brain development and attachment. The human person is both corporeal and spiritual, created in God's image to participate in the life of God through cooperation with God in creation and salvation.
Elocutionary Exercises: A Humorous Activity for Reducing Public Speaking Anxi...Steven Vrooman, PhD
This document discusses elocutionary exercises from the late 19th/early 20th century based on the structural acting system of Francois Delsarte. The exercises involve students mimicking gestures on slides corresponding to different emotions. The purpose is to both entertain and allow students to practice speaking while looking "goofy," helping them work through anxieties about public speaking. Instructions are given for having a student come up and tell a story incorporating the gestures from three randomly selected emotions on upcoming slides. Feedback on how the activity works is requested.
The document provides an overview of key elements for analyzing stories, including theme, plot, characters, setting, point of view, types of conflict, characterization, setting, rhetorical devices, and figurative language. It defines these elements and discusses how they relate to one another and contribute to the author's overall meaning or theme. Contextual elements beyond the surface story are also mentioned as revealing the author's experiences.
This document discusses Christ as the antidote to death and how believers can progress from glory to glory through repentance and turning to God. It teaches that through beholding God's glory in scripture, believers are constantly being transfigured into Christ's image. It also addresses how purging out old ways of thinking allows one to partake of the unleavened bread of purity, sincerity and truth. Finally, it touches on humanity reflecting God's nature as light and being begotten by God to eventually realize our true identity as Christ.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 005: “The Beginning of the Gospel”BibleAlive
The document discusses the virginal conception of Jesus Christ based on passages from the New Testament and historical context. It argues that the conception was not derived from Greek mythology but has roots in Jewish tradition of barren women giving birth. While the conception cannot be proven as a biological fact, historical evidence does not contradict it and it is accepted through faith. The conception reveals the radical gift of God in Jesus and his divine sonship as the pure creation of the Holy Spirit, expressing his filial relationship to God the Father.
The document discusses the central role of Mary, Mother of God in Catholic theology and doctrine. It summarizes teachings from several popes and saints about how Mary acts as an intercessor between humanity and God, and mediates the distribution of graces from God. It emphasizes that devotion to Mary through prayers like the Rosary allow one to find the path to Christ.
- Baptism is the sacrament by which we become Christians. It frees us from Original Sin, makes us children of God and members of the Church. Baptism is conferred by immersion in water or pouring water over the head with the Trinitarian formula.
- Confirmation completes Christian initiation begun in Baptism, making us spiritually adult with an indelible seal. It equips us for living the Christian life in the world through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is conferred by anointing the forehead with chrism and the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."
- Both sacraments perpetuate the grace of Pentecost and are
The document summarizes the theme and objectives of WABI 2015, which focused on Mary, a woman of humility, simplicity, and charity. It then provides details on the annunciation, nativity, visitation, and the virtues of humility, simplicity, and charity that Mary exemplified. It encourages developing these virtues through prayer, community, and proclaiming the good news of Christ.
Salvation history is the progressive unfolding of God's plan to save humanity from sin and death after the Fall. This plan involves a series of covenants and promises from God to figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets, all preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Key promises included preserving life (Noah), establishing a chosen people and blessing the world (Abraham), giving the law and bringing them to the Promised Land (Moses), and founding an everlasting kingdom (David). The deeper reason for these promises was to prefigure Christ, who would bring full and final salvation.
St. Joseph is held up as the model of fatherhood. His heart formed Jesus and allowed for Jesus' human, intellectual, pastoral, and moral formation. St. Joseph is revealed as a just man in relation to God, obeying the angels' messages. He is also the spouse of Mary, loving her as Christ loves the Church. His willingness to take Mary into his home despite the risks reveals his merciful heart. St. Joseph's role in forming Jesus in the home of Nazareth is highlighted.
This document discusses biblical topics related to "strong meat" or deeper spiritual truths. It covers the order of Melchisedec, Jesus as our high priest, the three angels' messages, and the importance of understanding the sanctuary message in connection with the 2300 day prophecy. It emphasizes that present truth about the sanctuary and Christ's ministry there is what God's people need now to unite and sanctify them.
The document provides an overview of what constitutes the gospel according to Pastor Charles E. Whisnant. It discusses that the gospel is more than just believing in Jesus, but also includes God redeeming humanity and including people in His kingdom through Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. It notes four key ingredients that make the gospel effective: it must be preached in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and with assurance. The document examines the characteristics of true saving faith, including production, affection, continuation, transformation, and jubilation. It discusses how the believers in Thessalonica became examples to others and strong witnesses through their exemplary lives and faith in God.
In talking about the humanity of Christ we must not rely on our reason alone rather we look in the eyes of faith so that we may see the truth clearly. On the other hand, we cannot separate the reason and faith for they must go hand in hand.
As St. Augustine says, faith seeks understanding. Moreover, scripture presents to us the evidences to prove the humanity of Christ. This will be our guide to have an idea on the life of Christ. In addition, the truth by which our early fathers of the church passed on to us will be part of this topic. The error of the teaching of some early Christians will also be included.
This document discusses finding peace through discerning God's will with the help of the Holy Family. It describes the Holy Family experiencing struggles but also peace not of this world. The Holy Family is presented as a model for discerning God's will through creating an interior life like their own at Nazareth. The document urges building a civilization of love and discerning if one has received a "call within a call" to help with this new springtime of the Church. It provides seven principles for discerning holy desires with peace as an important sign of God's presence.
- The Lord's Prayer, also called the Our Father, is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray.
- It is composed of an opening invocation, petitions regarding God, and petitions for our needs.
- We pray "Our Father" because through baptism we have become children of God, and praying "who art in heaven" helps raise our minds to heavenly things and God, who is not contained by creation.
1. Multiple popes over the past 50+ years have pointed to an impending "new springtime" for Christianity centered around the renewal of the Christian family.
2. The Holy Family is held up as the model for all Christian families, with the home in Nazareth representing the "domestic church."
3. Entering into the mysteries of the Holy Family's life in Nazareth, such as living according to the virtues of marriage, sexual purity, and finding God in oneself and others, can transform one's modern home into a reflection of the original "Temple of God."
This document provides guidance on creating a spirit of Nazareth in one's heart during Lent by following Christ's example of obedience, dialogue with God, and fidelity to one's state in life. It outlines a daily Lenten program of prayer and reflection. It emphasizes emulating the Holy Family by finding holiness in marriage and family duties. While most will find holiness as spouses and parents, some may receive a call to mentor other families on their spiritual journey. The goal is to discern God's will through obedience, silence, and openness to however He may be calling one to fulfill their vocation.
First, there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and the are written in the book of Corinthians not Luke.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will”.
1. Jesus heals to display God's works, call people to faith in Him, and bring glory to God.
2. Jesus healed the blind man by making mud from spit and anointing his eyes, telling him to wash in Siloam. The man was healed.
3. Responses to healing include faith in obeying Jesus, and unbelief stemming from pride like the Pharisees showed.
This document provides guidance for observing Lent through creating Nazareth in one's heart by entering into prayer and discernment. It recommends daily practices like lectio divina, rosary, and examination of conscience. The weekly program involves discernment and putting aside guides to have a direct dialogue with God in prayer. It discusses St. Joseph's example of prayer, and the stages of prayer according to St. Teresa of Avila from vocal to contemplative. It relates the visions of St. John Bosco calling him to help boys, and encourages praying the rosary while walking in nature to contemplate the mysteries.
Achieve a greater understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during this glorious season of the year with 7 daily readings from NIV Scripture passages that examine the Passion narratives in the Gospels.
The document discusses the formation of the human person through relationships. It notes that God wills humans to be formed by other humans, as seen in Jesus being obedient to Mary and Joseph and growing in wisdom. There are four types of formation: human, intellectual, pastoral, and moral. Formation occurs through experience and interpersonal communion, as relationships shape brain development and attachment. The human person is both corporeal and spiritual, created in God's image to participate in the life of God through cooperation with God in creation and salvation.
Elocutionary Exercises: A Humorous Activity for Reducing Public Speaking Anxi...Steven Vrooman, PhD
This document discusses elocutionary exercises from the late 19th/early 20th century based on the structural acting system of Francois Delsarte. The exercises involve students mimicking gestures on slides corresponding to different emotions. The purpose is to both entertain and allow students to practice speaking while looking "goofy," helping them work through anxieties about public speaking. Instructions are given for having a student come up and tell a story incorporating the gestures from three randomly selected emotions on upcoming slides. Feedback on how the activity works is requested.
The document provides an overview of key elements for analyzing stories, including theme, plot, characters, setting, point of view, types of conflict, characterization, setting, rhetorical devices, and figurative language. It defines these elements and discusses how they relate to one another and contribute to the author's overall meaning or theme. Contextual elements beyond the surface story are also mentioned as revealing the author's experiences.
The document contains short statements about different subjects including a slow turtle, a beautiful girl, happy and sad faces, a fast subject, and an ugly witch described twice.
Guy de Maupassant's short story "The Necklace" follows Mathilde Loisel, a woman unsatisfied with her middle-class life who borrows an expensive diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to a party. She loses the necklace and spends the next 10 years repaying the cost to replace it, not knowing the original was fake. The necklace symbolizes the deceptiveness of appearances and how Mathilde's desire for a lavish lifestyle she cannot afford brings her great hardship.
The document summarizes the short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant. It discusses that the story is set in past Paris and is told from a third person limited point of view. The main characters are Madame Loisel, who longs for wealth and status but lacks it, and her practical husband Monsieur Loisel. Ironically, Madame borrows a necklace that makes her feel wealthy but turns out to be fake, trapping the couple in a decade of debt and sacrifice to replace it. The theme is that true value is not always apparent and happiness should not be sought in material things.
Madame Loisel is unhappy with her middle-class life and borrows a diamond necklace from her wealthy friend Madame Forestier to attend a party. She loses the necklace and takes out loans to replace it, spending 10 years repaying the debt and living in poverty. When the necklace is found to be fake, Madame Loisel realizes her desires led to her downfall and she has changed as a person.
The Necklace is a short story, written by Guy de Maupassant. Here we go, a brief analysis of The Necklace, made by my lecturer, Ms. Henny Herawati S.Pd., M.Hum. :)
The document provides suggestions for teachers to help develop students' oral proficiency and ability to speak English fluently. It recommends maximizing opportunities for student speaking practice through collaborative work, authentic tasks, and reducing teacher speaking time. A variety of speaking activities are described, including discussions, role-plays, interviews, and picture narration. Teachers should create a low-anxiety environment, provide feedback, and involve speaking practice both in and out of class to help students improve their speaking skills.
The holy spirit of wisdom and revelationGLENN PEASE
The document discusses Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17 for believers to receive "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation" so they may know God better. It provides commentary on this passage from various scholars. It explains that this prayer is for further spiritual enlightenment and growth in intimate knowledge of God as revealed through Jesus Christ. Receiving the Holy Spirit leads to increased spiritual perception, a closer relationship with God, access to divine wisdom, and progressive Christian experience as believers mature.
This is a collection of writings dealing with the Holy Spirit as a spirit of truth to guide the Apostles into all truth, and to lead them into understanding of what is to come.
This document is a Christmas message given by V.M. Samael Aun Weor in 1952 discussing esoteric interpretations of Christianity. It makes 3 key points:
1) Authentic Christianity has its roots in the Order of Melchizedek and the mysteries of sex, which Paul refers to but does not explain due to humanity not being ready.
2) Hermaphrodites are starting to be born as a sign of humanity's evolution towards a divine hermaphroditic state, as described in Genesis.
3) Redemption lies in the sexual act of transmuting sexual energy ("water") into spiritual energy ("wine") in order to form Christ within and
What is eternal life after death?
-Mathematical relations and physical laws are eternal.
-Biblical understandings of eternity.
Tillich: Eternity is a dimension above time enabling us to perceive events happening in temporal sequence.
“Our lives are limited in time but fulfilled by our participation in everlasting eternity.”
When we die, our family, friends, colleagues, & citizens remember us.
Whitehead: We are remembered in the Mind of God by our participation in the eternal, consequent divine life.
This is a study of Jesus as a young child. God sent His Son to be a truly human being needing to go from infancy to adulthood. Jesus lived the childhood life.
John the Baptist ushered in a new era while closing out the old. His message of repentance revealed the failings of religious hierarchy and automatically began closing out the old way. Similarly today, there is a "voice crying in the wilderness" bringing change and transitioning from a partial law/grace era to something greater. When the limitations of the old are fully removed, the perfect new way will be revealed. As John preceded Jesus, so too does this present-day Elijah ministry precede the full revelation of the Christ within us.
This document discusses God's revelation to humanity through various means. It begins by explaining that God introduced Himself to initiate a relationship with humanity. God reveals Himself through both natural means like creation which shows His power and design, and supernatural means like prophets and scripture. The fullest revelation is through Jesus Christ, who reveals God and humanity. God continues to speak through the Church. God's revelation is contained in both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which the Church teaches. In response, we affirm our faith in God's revelations through the Apostles' Creed.
This is a study of Jesus being the true God. He is both the true God and eternal life. We can know Him and have what only God can give, and that is eternal life.
1. THE INDWELLING SPIRIT Based on I Cor. 3:10-16
2. THE CHRISTIAN AND SUICIDE Based on I Cor. 3:1-17
3. THE CHRISTIAN AND DIVORCE Based on I Cor. 7:8-16
4. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE PART 2 Based on I Cor. 7:10-16
5. THE IDEAL AND THE REAL Based on I Cor. 7:12-16
6. THE PAULINE PRIVILEGE Based on I Cor. 7:12-16
7. THE THIRD CHOICE Based on I Cor. 7:17-24
8. SINS AND MISTAKES Based on I Cor. 7:25-31
9. DEVOTION TO THE LORD Based on I Cor. 7:32-40
10. LOVE MAKES THE SIMPLE COMPLEX I COR. 8
11. FROM START TO FINISH Based on I Cor. 9:24 to 10:12
12. AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE Based on I Cor. 10:1-5
13. THE CONCEPTION OF COMMUNION CLARIFIED I Cor. 11:17-34
14. A MOVING EXPERIENCE Based on I Cor. 11:23-26
15. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING INFORMED Based on I Cor. 12:1-11
16. TEST OF THE TONGUE Based on I Cor. 12:1-3
17. GIFTS UNLIMITED Based on I Cor. 12:4f
18. GIFTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD Based on I Cor. 12:7f
19. THE GIFT OF WISDOM Based on I Cor. 12:8f
20. THE GIFT OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE Based on I Cor. 12:8f
21. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Based on I Cor. 15:5-11
22. THE BURIAL OF HIS BODY Based on I Cor. 15:1-11
23. THE GOSPEL AND THE BODY Based on I Cor. 15:1-12
24. THE CONTEMPORARY CHRIST Based on I Cor. 15:12-28
25. THE IMMORTALITY OF PERSONALITY based on I Cor. 15:35-49
26. BODY LOVE Based on I Cor. 15:35-49
27. THE RESURRECTION BODY based on I Cor.15:35-49
28. THE MYSTERY OF DEATH Based on I Cor. 15:51-58
29. WORK AND WAGES Based on I Cor. 15:58
1. THE
This document discusses the concept of Christ as the antidote to death and discusses attaining a "Christ consciousness." It argues that many search for eternal life by reading scriptures alone but fail to truly come to Christ. It asserts that coming to a conscious awareness that the true self is Christ, not the false identity or "antichrist" self, allows one to overcome the fear of death. It claims Christ is revealing and slaying the antichrist nature within people and bringing them into a higher consciousness of their true identity.
This document discusses Cosmic Awareness and its role as a channel for spiritual guidance. It addresses some questions about how Cosmic Awareness describes Jesus and prayer. Cosmic Awareness views Christ consciousness as a state of clear consciousness that Jesus and other spiritual figures embodied. It was not Jesus himself claiming to be the only way to God. Cosmic Awareness sees God/spirit as present everywhere and accessible through meditation, not requiring an external entity to pray to. The purpose of channels like Cosmic Awareness is to help people tune into their own clear consciousness, not to be worshipped in religion.
The Mystery is that God was manifest in the flesh. We speak of Matthews description of the Name. Why the seeming contradiction among Christians with the opposing views. Who is the woman, the bride? The reason for the change in the baptismal formula. Re-baptism!! The truth regarding an end-time revival !!
The document discusses the meaning of Jesus being declared the Son of God at his resurrection according to Romans 1:4. It explains that Jesus was eternally God but took on human form, becoming fully subordinate to God the Father's will. His divine sonship was demonstrated powerfully by his resurrection from the dead by the Holy Spirit. The document emphasizes that Jesus is the divine Savior, Christ, and Lord of all through whom believers receive eternal spiritual riches.
Similar to THE NATIVITY STORY: AN INTERPRETATION (20)
THE PSYCHOLOGIST AND THE MAGICIAN: SOME GOOD ADVICE ON HOW TO SEE LIFE AS IT ...Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document summarizes and discusses the short story "The Psychologist and the Magician" by Ernest Christopher Rodwick. It tells the story of a psychologist named Professor Herman von Scholtz who agrees to undergo an "ordeal" with a magician named Marbado in a Himalayan cave. The psychologist must walk through the cave regardless of what he sees, hears, feels or thinks. The story is an allegory about how the mind can be "hypnotized" by illusions and beliefs that have no real power or existence. It illustrates how we identify with mental projections and concepts of self that cause suffering but don't truly exist. By refusing to accept the illusions, the psychologist is able to walk through
THE PHOENIX ISLANDS REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI: AN ANNOTATED AND ILLUSTRATED CHRONO...Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
An historical and descriptive chronological history of the Phoenix Islands, Republic of Kiribati, with annotations and photographs (5th edn). The first to fourth editions were published sub titulo The Phoenix Islands: An Annotated Chronology.
The document provides a Humanist interpretation of The Lord's Prayer in 3 sentences or less for each line:
Our Father in heaven refers to the one spirit of life in all, making us all brothers and sisters. Your kingdom come suggests working together to create a fairer world where only the common good is pursued. Give us this day our daily bread means seeking only our daily needs and avoiding temptation, cultivating virtue, forgiving others as we wish to be forgiven, and being delivered from evil.
A RATIONAL FAITH: HUMANISM, ENLIGHTENMENT IDEALS, AND UNITARIANISM Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document discusses the influence of Humanism and Enlightenment ideals on Unitarianism. It describes how Unitarianism evolved from a Christian denomination rejecting some key doctrines, to a "post-Christian metareligion" or non-religion infused with Humanist principles like reason and tolerance. Unitarianism is presented as a spiritual philosophy and way of life that brings together people of all backgrounds without dogma. The roots and spread of Unitarianism in Australia, Britain, and the United States are briefly outlined.
Letter dated 4 January 1994 from Ian David Ellis-Jones of Turramurra NSW Australia to the Editor of TIME (Australia) Magazine, with Letter of Reply dated 2 February 1994 from Patrick Smith, Editorial Offices, Time Inc, New York, New York, USA. Letter from Ian David Ellis-Jones Copyright 1994 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved.
The document is a humorous fictional dialogue between Bud Abbott and Lou Costello discussing Abbott's mindfulness class. Abbott claims the class taught him to have "no-mind" which he says is a state of wisdom and enlightenment. However, Costello is confused by the concept of having no mind but not being stupid. Their discussion becomes increasingly nonsensical as they try to explain how a mind can be both empty and full, gone but present, engaged but not engaged to anyone.
This document discusses some early Greek philosophers and their ideas that are relevant to mindfulness practice. It examines Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, noting ideas like rejecting supernatural explanations and focusing on observable phenomena. Key lessons for mindfulness are observing the present moment without judgment, seeing contradictions as part of a unified process, and maintaining attention on the breath to allow experiences to naturally arise and pass without fixation. The document suggests these ancient Greek philosophers provide philosophical underpinnings for modern secular mindfulness practice.
This document provides Bible verses and explanations to support the use of spiritual mind treatment and healing. It discusses:
- The power of thought and the mind's ability to create one's reality. Thoughts become things and positive thinking can lead to positive outcomes.
- Many Bible verses are presented that discuss seeking God/the kingdom within, the power of words and decrees, and healing coming from sending forth one's word.
- Spiritual mind treatment works by lifting one's consciousness through affirmative prayer and emotion-charged thinking to manifest desired outcomes. One's mind has the creative power of God and can shape one's experiences.
The document discusses the omnipresence of life and how we are all part of that one life force. It encourages the reader to enter into silence and stillness to experience life as a sacred presence that is closer than our own breathing. It asserts that there is only one eternal life flowing through all of creation, including ourselves, and that we can never be separate from this life force.
PHINEAS P. QUIMBY: THE MODERN WORLD’S FIRST TRUE PSYCHOANALYSTDr Ian Ellis-Jones
Phineas P. Quimby was a 19th century American clockmaker and healer who is considered a pioneer in the fields of alternative healing, mental therapeutics, and psychosomatic medicine. He developed a method of insight-oriented psychotherapy combined with autosuggestion that treated illnesses by addressing the mind-body connection. Quimby's system paved the way for modern psychoanalysis and the understanding that functional illnesses can be caused or influenced by the mind. After recovering from tuberculosis through alternative methods like carriage rides, Quimby began practicing mesmerism and traveling around New England, treating patients and inspiring the development of the New Thought movement.
An Address Delivered at the Spirit of Life Unitarian Fellowship, Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, 2 June 2013. Copyright 2013 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved.
This document provides an analysis of the fairy tales Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp and Jack and the Beanstalk. It suggests that fairy tales contain inner symbolic meanings and lessons. For Aladdin, characters represent aspects of human consciousness, and acquiring the lamp represents achieving spiritual enlightenment. For Jack, climbing the beanstalk represents spiritual ascension, while stealing from the giant represents acquiring virtues. Both tales depict the soul's evolution toward perfection through overcoming challenges.
The document provides an overview of the New Thought movement in Australia. It discusses key figures who helped introduce and spread New Thought ideas in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Dr James Porter Mills, Anna W Mills, Veni Cooper-Mathieson, Grace Aguilar, and Henry E Aguilar. These individuals established various New Thought organizations, published literature, and helped popularize concepts of mental and spiritual healing. The movement offered new religious and philosophical perspectives that were particularly embraced by women.
The document provides an overview of film noir, including its origins, key characteristics, and classification. It discusses how film noir emerged as a distinct style in American films of the 1940s, influenced by events like the Great Depression, WWII, and hardboiled crime fiction. It also notes the ongoing debate around whether film noir qualifies as a distinct genre or is more of a mood or tone. The document aims to introduce noir aficionados to the topic through various definitions, quotes, and classifications of film noir.
WHAT YOU THINK YOU BECOME: NEW THOUGHT, SELF-HELP AND POPULAR PSYCHOLOGYDr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document provides an overview of New Thought, a religious philosophy that originated in the United States in the 19th century. It discusses how New Thought was influenced by ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and his theory of forms, as well as early Christian thinkers like Origen who emphasized the oneness of God and life. The document also examines how New Thought emerged as an alternative to Protestantism in the late 19th century, gaining popularity through its positive message about using mind power to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. New Thought is defined as affirming the unity of God and humanity and the perfection and immortality of the soul.
An Address to the Sydney Realist Group (‘Sydney Realists’), Sydney, NSW, Australia, on 7 May 2013. Copyright 2013 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved. Published (in three parts) in the journal The Northern Line, No. 15 March 2014 (pp 13-16), No. 16 May 2014 (pp 10-15), and No. 17 July 2014 (pp 9-13). Note: see also the author’s related paper entitled ‘Andersonian Realism and Buddhist Empiricism’, published in the journal The Northern Line, No. 13 October 2012 (pp 2–13), as well as in the journal The Sydney Realist, No. 25 March 2013 (pp. 6–15), and the author’s paper entitled 'John Anderson: Philosopher and Controversialist Extraordinaire'. (The papers are available on SlideShare.)
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
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"Lift off" by Pastor Mark Behr at North Athens Baptist ChurchJurgenFinch
23 June 2024
Morning Service at North Athens Baptist Church Athens, Michigan
“Lift Off” by Pastor Mark Behr
Scriptures: Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11.
We are a small country Church in Athens Michigan who loves to reach out to others with the love of God. We worship an Awesome God who loves the whole world and wants everyone to see and understand what He has done for us. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) We hope you are encouraging by our Sunday Morning sermon videos. If you are ever in the area, please feel free to attend our Sunday Morning Services at North Athens Baptist Church 2020 M Drive South, Athens, Michigan. If you have any question and would like to talk to Pastor Mark, or have prayer request please call the church at (269) 729-553
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Morning Service: 10:45 a.m.
Full Morning Service on Facebook Live at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nabc2020athensmichigan
Sermon Only Live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NABC2020AthensMI
Sermon Only Audio of Morning Sermon at: https://soundcloud.com/user-591083416
God calls us to a journey of worshiping Him. In this journey you will encounter different obstacles and derailments that will want to sway you from worshiping God. You got to be intentional in breaking the barriers staged on your way of worship in order to offer God acceptable worship.
The Book of Revelation, filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, presents one of its most striking visions in Revelation 9:3-12—the locust army. Understanding the significance of this locust army provides insight into the broader themes of divine judgment, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will as depicted in Revelation.
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
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Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Tales of This and Another Life - Chapters.pdfMashaL38
This book is one of the best of the translated ones, for it has a warning character for all those who find themselves in the experience of material life. Irmão X provides a shrewd way of describing the subtleties and weaknesses that can jeopardize our intentions, making us more attentive and vigilant by providing us with his wise pages, reminding us between the lines of the Master's words: "Pray and watch."
Introduction
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra." That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana) on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga), i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process.
5.3. Mandukya Upanishad
The Mandukya Upanishad (the four states of consciousness)
The Mandukya Upanishad belongs to the Atharvaveda. Although it contains only 12 verses.
This Upanishad became the basis for the emergence of the Advaita Vedanta or the philosophy of monism, according to which Brahman alone is the truth and the rest is an illusion.
The Upanishad deals with the symbolic significance of the sacred syllable Aum and its correlation with the four states of consciousness, namely the wakeful consciousness, dream state, the state of deep sleep or dreamless sleep and the state of transcendental consciousness in which all divisions and duality disappears and the self alone exists in its pure state, all by itself.
1. Wakefulness—Jagrat (Vaisvanara is the first stage - A) Consciousness
In this state, atman (the Supreme Self) is mainly mis-identified with annamaya kosha (the “sheath composed of food”—the physical body).
Thus, the jiva (soul) travels in objectivity and becomes an object itself, mostly ignoring its subjective consciousness.
Lesson 13 – The Celestial City - CPAD.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 13 – The Celestial City
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
1. THE NATIVITY STORY
AN INTERPRETATION
by Ian Ellis-Jones
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BEFORE THE SYDNEY UNITARIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2005
THE ETERNAL BETHLEHEM
Two thousand years since Bethlehem!
O measure not that Birth by time
Alone! Each soul potentially
A hidden Bethlehem-to-be.
Two thousand years since Bethlehem!
Yet angels garnering earth’s good will
Proclaim the Star shines now as then
To guide new Shepherds, new Wise Men.
Two thousand years since Bethlehem!
Man spirals towards its lucent fields:
Now fails, now falls – but, climbing still,
Finds Christ new-born on Bethlehem’s hill.
- Phyllis V Campbell
Within the heart of every person
The Christ Child will be born again –
Not as a child in swaddling clothes
But as a light that grows and grows
Until the universe will ring
With peace on earth … and angels sing
As each person turns to face the light.
The star of Bethlehem did shine and
Children sang “Star light, star bright,”
But know this, brothers and sisters of the light:
Your radiance from the light within
Will far outshine a brilliant star.
You are a light, a light of truth …
Go forth and shed your light afar.
- Emily Sanford.
2. Introduction
"And the angel said to them, 'Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good
news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born
this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord" (Lk 2: 10,
11).
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be
upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace"' (Is 9: 6).
" ...a little child shall lead them" (Is 11: 6).
The Christian Nativity Story is, first and foremost, the account of the birth of
Jesus of Nazareth. The story itself may be regarded as being historical, at
least in small part, although clearly much of the language of the Gospel
accounts of the event is "mythical" and symbolic. To refer to the story as
mythical is not to deny its historicity or authenticity. A great deal of myth is
based on historical events, even if not all such events acquire the mythic
character. It is simply to state that there is a level on which the story may
properly be regarded and interpreted as a pattern of images with spiritual
meaning. This is the case with all sacred scripture. Much of it is written in
allegorical and spiritual language, and it is remarkable the extent to which this
language is common to all the different sacred scriptures of the world’s
religions.
When properly understood, the Nativity Story is both an account of the birth of
Jesus as well as a symbolic representation of the "new birth", the birth of the
“Christ Child” within our hearts. I use that expression, not in any narrow
evangelical sense, but in a fairly broad psychological sense. There is a part
of us that is our genuine authentic self, our real self, our I Am-ness. Carl Jung
called it the "Divine Child". Emmet Fox called it the "Wonder Child", the
indwelling Presence of God within each of us. Charles Whitfield called it the
Child Within. Some psychotherapists refer to it as the Real Self or True Self.
Theosophists refer to it as the Reincarnating Ego. Esoterically speaking, the
“new birth”, or birth of the Christ Child within us, refers to the awakening within
3. us of the conscious but choiceless awareness of the indwelling presence of
Life, Truth and Love occasioned by a profound sense of the numinous. The
“new birth” experience has been well described by Felix Adler, the founder of
Ethical Culture, in terms that make sense for Unitarians and others who wish
to understand that experience without the unwanted baggage of
supernaturalism:
The experience to which I refer is essentially moral experience. It may be
described as a sense of subjection to imperious impulses which urge our
finite nature toward infinite issues; a sense of propulsions which we can
resist, but not disown; a sense of a power greater than ourselves, with
which, nevertheless, in essence we are one; a sense, in times of moral
stress, of channels opened by persistent effort, which let in a flood of
rejuvenating energy and puts us in command of unsuspected moral
resources; a sense, finally, of the complicity of our life with the life of
others, of living in them in no merely metaphorical signification of the
word; of unity with all spiritual being whatsoever.1[1]
Christian mystic Angelus Silesius has written these powerfully confronting
lines:
Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,
But not within thyself, thy soul will be forlorn,
The Cross on Golgotha thou lookest to in vain
Unless within thyself it be set up again
I propose to review the Christmas Story by focusing on its key elements and
characters so as to draw out the spiritual significance of the event which was
to change the entire world. Journey with me below the surface of the text to
the underlying metaphysical meaning. The Apostle Paul writes, "We impart a
secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our
glorification" (1 Cor 2: 7). So, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that
has happened, that the Lord has told us” (Lk 2:15).
1[1]
Felix Adler, Life and Destiny (London: Watts & Co, 1913), pp 22-3.
4. Gabriel
"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, for you have found favour
with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and his name
Jesus" (Lk 1: 30, 31).
The Annunciation is a dramatic revelation of a fundamental spiritual law
which, traditionally expressed, says, “God seeks, the soul responds”. Now,
God can be seen as Life, Truth and Love. Not just Life, but the very
livingness of Life, the oneness of all Life, and the givingness of Life to Itself.
Life is there in all its fulness. There is nothing else. Life cannot otherwise be.
It is our response to Life that makes the difference to our existence.
Luke records how “the angel Gabriel was sent from God" (Lk 1: 26) to the
Virgin Mary to announce the imminent virgin birth. In spiritual language, an
angel is a projection into human consciousness of an exalted spiritual idea
direct from the fountainhead of God. The exalted idea is sown in the mind
and the seed quickens into the cell. The coming into activity of the Christ
Child within us is the result of an exalted idea sown in the mind by the Spirit of
God - the realisation that the human soul is to be the bearer of the Divine.
When we have an exalted idea, the angel Gabriel comes into our
consciousness, metaphorically speaking. If we say yes to Gabriel – that is, if
we really want change in our life at a very deep level - then something
wonderful happens. Something is born in our souls that stays with us for the
rest of our lives.
Mary
If some have accorded to the Virgin Mary more honours than are properly
hers, it can equally be said that there are others who, anxious to avoid the
same mistake, have failed to give her any attention at all. Anyway, scripture
tells us that Mary's honour is due to the One who is said to have done for her
5. great things. Her soul '”magnifies the Lord" (Lk 1: 46) and her spirit "rejoices
in God [her] Saviour" (Lk 1: 47).
Now, this is very important. Mary signifies the "virgin soul", the soul in love
with God/Life/Truth, the soul which puts spiritual values and principles first
and which is completely concentrated and focused on those things. In such a
soul there is a total orientation of thought and affection towards God/Life/Turth
and a radical detachment from all earthly things. There can never be
obedience without such a disposition.
Let us never forget that the Nativity is a virgin birth. With such a birth,
conception is by perception. Catholic archbishop Fulton Sheen writes that
Mary had already conceived in her heart that which the Holy Spirit conceived
in her womb. Esoterically, the Christ Child waits not on nature but on the
Virgin's acceptance of the Divine Will. We are told that Christ is born anew
within us by virtue of God's initiative, not our achievements. What this means
is that we are changed, not so much by what we do, but by our willingness to
be changed, our willingness to surrender, give up, let go. In order to change
spiritually, and grow spiritually, we must be prepared to give up everything in
our lives that holds us back and keeps us in bondage to our lower selves.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches the Perpetual Virginity and the
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. There is no need to affirm either
of these dogmas in a literal sense, but allegorically they reinforce the notion of
Mary as a symbol of the "virgin soul". The first dogma - Mary's continued
virginity - speaks of a lifelong commitment to and communion with God and,
as such, symbolizes the spiritual life. The second dogma - Mary's immaculate
conception - attests to the divine essence of the human soul, the sacredness
of human life, as well as speaking of purity and innocence. Being filled with
the Spirit of God, the virgin soul can contain nothing else. Nothing that is
impure, nothing that is not God, can linger in it for an instant.
The Virgin Mary, in short, symbolises all those qualities that are essential
6. prerequisites to new spiritual birth - willing obedience, openness to
Life/Truth/Love, and humility. She represents a pure state of mind that
ponders spiritual things and believes in the so-called miraculous as a
possibility: "let it be to me according to your word" (Lk 1: 38). E S Lamb
writes:
Beyond celebration of gift and carol, candlelighting and “Merry
Christmas!” there is another ritual of season when I turn within to the still
centre of my own being, celebrating within the shape of silence, the
star’s radiance, the birth of love, the peace angel, and let vibrations
flow out from that centre’s energy to bless, to heal, to give the gift
of radiant love.
Joseph
“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord
commanded him. …" (Matthew 1: 24).
Joseph, no word of whose does the Bible record, is the silent witness to the
Nativity Story. He is the privileged sharer of the thoughts Mary pondered in
her heart, delicate of mind and gentle of heart. Like Mary, he was ever
obedient to the Will of God, the spiritual impulse - a shining symbol of
believing strength.
The Journey
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth,
to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because
he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary,
his betrothed, who was with child" ( Lk 2: 4 , 5 ).
It was less than 112 kilometres from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but the road lay
through deep valleys and over mountains. The way was dusty and difficult. It
was a long, laborious and wearisome journey in order that our Lord may be
born in abject poverty. We, too, are on a journey. We are travelers on the
road of life, and it is said that if we want to travel far, we must travel light.
7. Norman Vincent Peale wrote that the real purpose of time is for the
discernment of God. Bethlehem means "house of bread"; esoterically,
Bethlehem, where Jesus was supposedly born, represents substance and life,
that spiritual state of consciousness, deep within our minds, where the Christ
Child, metaphorically speaking, is formed - deep in our subconscious, down
among the “animal forces”. The journey to Bethlehem is a spiritual quest for
the "true bread from heaven", or the experience of the new birth.
The Donkey
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
within you, which you have from God?" (1 Cor 6: 19).
Those childhood pictures of Mary and Joseph and their little donkey are
indelibly imprinted on our hearts. In particular, we see Mary seated on the
beast, with Joseph leading it by the halter rope along the road to Bethlehem.
Many have seen the donkey as representing our physical bodies. We must
not forget our physical bodies if we are to bring the Christ Child to fruition in
the place where it is to be born. To ignore or reject our physical side prevents
the birth of real spirituality.
The Stable
"And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling
cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in
the inn" (Lk 2: 7).
The Christ Child was born in a stable "because there was no place" in the inn.
He was born in humble and unworthy surroundings. If Christ can be born in
such a place, then the spiritual experience I’m describing can take place in
any person, regardless of their past or present circumstances. William
James, in his Varieties of Religious Experience, has written that almost all
conversion experiences, whatever their variety, do have a common
denominator of ego collapse at depth in which a person faces a seemingly
8. impossible dilemma and lets go … surrenders … to whatever is. Yes, only
amidst humility and perhaps even brokenness will the “Christ Child” ever be
born in us. He can never be born in the inn - that is, in the heart of the person
who has no room for Christ, who is too busy and too proud to let the Christ
Child come to life, who has no time or patience for spiritual ideas and truths.
Pride, indifference and selfishness close the door against the new birth.
Metaphorically speaking, the Christ Child knocks on every door, yet those
things fill the inn and bar the way. Only can the humble open their doors to
the Christ Child - those who realise that, without a deep spiritual dimension to
their lives, they are nothing and have nothing. There’s an old Welsh grace,
which goes like this:
Let not our hearts be busy inns
That have no room for Thee,
But cradles of the living Christ
And His nativity.
The stable is symbolic of our present state of consciousness with its feelings
of unworthiness, shame and lack of purpose and direction. It symbolises the
“new life” that is born into anyone of us the moment that we give our whole
hearts to God as we understand God. That is when the Christ Child is born,
when we make up our minds to put God as we understand God first in our
lives and not second. Ask any recovering alcoholic or addict about this
process. It is real and vital. Yes, so great is the power of change in our lives,
that if we really want change, at a deep level, we can and will have it! By way
of example, in the “Big Book” of the twelve-step fellowship Alcoholics
Anonymous, itself entitled Alcoholics Anonymous,2[2] Bill Wilson, cofounder of
the fellowship, describes his “white light” conversion experience:
Lying there in conflict, I dropped into the blackest depression I had ever
known. Momentarily my prideful depression was crushed. I cried out,
"Now I am ready to do anything - anything to receive what my friend Ebby
has." Though I certainly didn't expect anything, I did make this frantic
2[2]
Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd ed (New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, 1976).
9. appeal, "If there be a God, will He show Himself!" The result was instant,
electric beyond description. The place seemed to light up, blinding white.
I knew only ecstasy and seemed on a mountain. A great wind blew,
enveloping and penetrating me. To me, it was not of air but of Spirit.
Blazing, there came the tremendous thought, "you are a free man." Then
the ecstasy subsided. Still on the bed, I now found myself in a new world
of consciousness which was suffused by a Presence. One with the
Universe, a great peace came over me. I thought, "So this is the God of
the preachers, this is the great Reality." But soon my so-called reason
returned, my modern education took over and I thought I must be crazy
and I became terribly frightened.3[3]
Yes, the Christ comes into a stable, not into a palace. The only precondition
is the willingness to have one’s ego deflated with the humble acknowledgment
that the self that is held in bondage cannot change itself because it has no
power of itself. Only a power-not-oneself can deliver us from the bondage of
self.
When the Holy Child is born, he is wrapped in swaddling clothes. The newly-
born Babe needs care and nurture but carries its own protection. So we must
attend to our own spiritual development. Spiritual growth involves continuous
letting go. David McClure, minister of Windward Unity Church in Kailua,
Hawaii, writes:
Letting go and letting God is not just an interesting technique that we can
try when all else fails. It is a way of life. In fact, it is the only way of life.
It is the way we are meant to live our lives.
Another way of describing God is as a “stream of living energy and
infinite possibilities.” Actually we are in this steam all the time, but often
do not know it. Part of rowing our boats “gently down the stream” is
becoming conscious and steering our boat out into this living stream.
This is a conscious, free-will choice to move our oars in this direction.
Sometimes this stream becomes for us a raging torrent of energy that
abruptly changes the direction of our lives. But most often, it is a very
3[3] rd
Alcoholics Anonymous, 3 ed (New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1976), p
….
10. subtle intention that is directing and guiding our lives towards our highest
possible good.4[4]
In the Old Testament it is written, "Take this child away, and nurse him for me,
and I will give you your wages" (Ex 2: 9). Yes, the spiritual life is its own
reward. If we want joy and real happiness in our lives then we must
surrender, let go, give up. We must make room in our life for this Christ Child.
Desire to be relieved of the bondage of self. Give up your self-obsession, and
start to live.
The Shepherds
"And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night" (Lk 2: 8 ).
The Christ Child is born in humility. Who are they who are chosen to know?
Shepherds. Persons who live close to the earth and the simple, lovely things
of earth. Those who are patient, humble, resourceful and above all faithful.
The shepherds stood for the men who followed God's Will, who did what was
required of them, spiritually speaking. From among them had come thinkers
and prophets to whom rulers listened. Others wishing to be holy went out to
live as they did. "The Lord is my shepherd", wrote the shepherd poet who
later became king. The symbolism of the good shepherd had deep meaning
in the Holy Land.
The Wise Men
"When (the wise men) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great
joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother,
and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures,
they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh" (Mt 2: 10, 11).
4[4]
David McClure, “The Subtle Stream” [Online]
http://windwardunity.blogs.com/windward_unity_breeze/2005/09/sunday_lesson_h_2.html#m
ore [accessed 11/10/2005].
11. Matthew tells us how Herod instructed the wise men to "search diligently" for
the Child (Mt 2: 8). If we truly wish to have a deep spiritual experience we will
do so. It should, however, be remembered that the wise men were directed to
the place where the Child was by "the star which they had seen in the East"
(Mt 2: 9). Exoterically, we are told that we can know God only as God
chooses to reveal Himself to us. Esoterically, we must listen to that “still, small
voice” within us that says … this is the way!
The Star in the East
“ ...and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till
it came to rest over the place where the child was" (Mt 2: 9) .
In metaphysics, the east is where God is. For present purposes, the east
refers to our inner state of consciousness.
Now, wise men knew from their ancient books that God had promised to send
into the world a great king, who would save his people and rule over them.
When suddenly the eastern star appeared, they perceived that the time had
come.
The eastern star is the morning star. It is the first gleam, the first dawning of
the truth of the new birth. In the Bible, the east always stands for spirit, truth
and God. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the
west, so will be the coming of "the Son of man" (Mt 24: 27).
The star shines for all mankind. It shines within each one of us. It is the light
which leads us to the greater Light, the true light that enlightens every man"
(Jn 1: 9). The star is the outer symbol of the inner light. When we have seen
the star we have not yet found the Christ Child, but we are convinced that he
exists, that we want him, and that we are going to find him. We must follow
the star constantly, that we may be led to the Christ Child's birthplace - also
within ourselves.
12. The Gifts of the Magi
"...opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense
and myrrh” (Mt 2: 11).
When the wise men saw the Child with Mary his mother, they fell down and
worshipped him and offered him precious gifts. When the Christ Child is born
in us, when we awaken to a deep sense of our Being-ness, we receive rare
gifts from God. Gold - the light of truth, the gift of wisdom, the seal of the
royal priesthood. Frankincense - the sweet fragrance of sympathy, sacrifiice,
understanding and healing. Myrrh - love to sustain and heal.
Body, Soul and Spirit
“ ...may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at
the- coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Thess 5: 23).
In the old tradition and classical pictures of the Nativity Story, there is always
a donkey, an ox and a lamb in the stable, near to the Christ Child. It has been
said that these three animals represent three important aspects of our nature.
The donkey represents the human mind unillumined by Christ - the
unregenerate soul. The ox represents the physical body. The lamb signifies
our spiritual nature. When the Christ Child is born in us, it is said that these
three things are united into a new and wondrous creation. We then become
fully functioning human beings.
The Eternal Bethlehem: Christmas Forever!
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel" (Lk 2: 34).
This is the story of the Christmas Child. How wrong it would be of us to think
that the story ended 2,000 years ago. The truth is that the event is going on
13. all the time, whenever someone awakens to their true potential, to their inner
divinity. Charles Fillmore writes:
The bringing forth of the Christ child is not a work that was finished in
Bethlehem. It is taking place in our midst every day. It is this we
5[5]
celebrate.
No sooner is Christmas upon us, it’s over, but the good news is that the new
birth can occur at any time. Indeed, those who have not Christmas in their
hearts will never find it under a tree. So, when the greetings and the carols
have ended, when the angels have ascended to heaven, and the wise men
have returned to the east, never forget that the light that once shone on a
manger still brightens the world from afar. Yes, listening hearts still hear
angels, and wise men and women still follow a star. I leave you with these
beautiful lines from Pauline Havard:
THE DOOR IS OPEN
The door is open! Go in and then share
The nativity scene, so inspiring there!
The door is open within any heart
Where love’s lantern gleams.
Be one of the Wise Men, if you desire,
Or one of the shepherds who left their fire
In the chill of night when they heard the news.
You may be any or all, if you choose;
May come anytime to a Bethlehem!
When you reach love’s door, go in with them;
When you come out, you will carry a spark
From that stable’s lantern into the dark,
Which will help you to lead those under black skies
To the glow and the hope where the Christ Child lies.
5[5]
Charles Fillmore, “The Symbolism of Christmas”, Unity, December 1981, pp 62-3.
14. A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
May you have the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the gladness of
Christmas which is hope, and the heart of Christmas which is love. Amen.