Feeling blue? Keep Christmas always in your heart!

 

2-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Today, 29^th December, is the 5^th Day of Christmas, yet so very many people, Christians included, seem to think that after Christmas Day, the whole celebration is over. Not me, though! There is still lots to formally celebrate in this season. This includes the Epiphany on Sunday 5th January 25. The Christmas Octave, from Christmas Day to New Year's Day, culminates in the celebration of Mary, the Mother of God. Then there is the big celebration of the Baptism of the Lord on 12th January 25 which marks the end of this year’s Christmas season.  Yet, the rejoicing will never cease as long as we remember that the relevance of Christmas is eternal! 

“What does Christmas mean to you?” is the big question posed on the postage stamp of a Christmas card from a dear friend in Jersey. It’s a good one. 

My answer to the question is that, first and foremost, it is the celebration of the birthday of Christ, the Messiah, God-made-man.  If that is your answer too, yet you still feel a bit down, you can improve your mood by switching your focus back onto the Light of the World.

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

If you know Christ, or even if you don’t yet know Him, you could try this short meditation to think that over.

Meditation

1. Sit up straight. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

2. Now consider Jesus’ words and their meaning.  

3. Read the above Bible quote of St John’s and ponder on it for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Lord Jesus, only a few short days ago I celebrated Your birthday, but today I feel gloomy. So please will You fill me with Your love and light, and help me to share that with everyone I meet. Amen.”

5. When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then have a big stretch.

 

May the light and love of Christ's birth fill your heart today and always.    

God bless,

Teresa x

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! 

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In Singapore/ In New Zealand / In Australia

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy!

Click on the following links to check out my novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel In UK /  In US / In Singapore / In Australia / In New Zealand

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

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Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

Here is the link for the YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

The Light of the World is Near!

"The Light of the World" painted by Holman Hunt

The countdown is now on. In just FIVE more days it will be Christmas! And for me, I have to confess, the screw is turning - piling on the pressure of the lack of two of the most important people in my life: My mum and dad.

Since this is the season of good will and joy it would be valid to ask me why, at the time when people are getting happy and excited, I persist in telling you that I am not happy; not excited; not filled with joy. Well, the reason is that I know there are so very many people who are feeling exactly like me. And I do hope that by me speaking out they may feel just a little bit better knowing they are not alone.

If you are not in that number I say: I am glad! Please enjoy the celebrations of the birth of Christ! But I ask you to remember in your prayers those of us who don't feel as light hearted as you.

No matter what you are going through right now though remember that Advent, this period of time before the feast of Christmas, is for spiritual preparation. Just remembering that leads me to a quieter place in my heart. And, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." [Luke 1:45]

So, to look at it from this perspective I am remembering that when God became man 2018 years ago He came as the Light of the World. "Behold I stand at the door and knock..." He said. [Rev 3.20] And this touched me so very much that I built a whole book on it: my 9 Days to Heaven.

And so, if you too are in a testing time right now, turn to Jesus and ask for His help to endure...

God bless

Teresa x

PS Don't forget to take a look at my other blog:  https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

Also, for further inspiration check out my website:  http://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk 

PPS Don't forget to check out my book: 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life - which is a practical guide to joyful living! Buy the book from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

  You can see the book trailer by clicking on this link:  http://youtu.be/154luv8KMns