The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

[Excerpted from “Wonder: Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement” by Anne Bonnefin, Nov/Dec 2022, Herald, p. 29]

If you want to find the way to wonder—start with sitting in silence and gratitude, and then open your heart to listen for love.

A Celtic legend of John the Beloved says that as he leaned against Jesus at the Last Supper, he heard the heartbeat of God. This became a metaphor of the practice of deep listening for the beat of the sacred. This time of Advent is about the coming of the Divine among us and listening anew to the heartbeat of God.

In this Advent season, take time to listen to the heartbeat of the Divine that resides within the Christmas Story. What stirs you to wonder? Where can you open anew to this mystery deep within yourself. It was not just about an event long ago, but what is being born within you. To really know the Christmas Story is to awaken something of the story within yourself. There is wonder and a treasure of holiness, wholeness within you. Awaken your deepest sensibilities to the wonder you find in yourself and around you.

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9).

We can open ourselves to this radical, sacred light in all things. Wonder allows us to honor, nurture, and come into true relationship with it, allowing it to further reawaken in us the sacredness at the heart of our own being, so we can be a people to paint joyously God’s vision for creation. A vision where at the heart of all being we hear the beat of the Divine.

Prayer Phrase

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy” (Luke 2:10).

Kindling the Light

Choose a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably. Place a candle or small light in front of you. Take a few slow breaths, letting the noise of the day settle. Light the candle. As you strike the match or switch on the light, say softly:
“I make room for joy to grow within me.
I make room for the light that connects me to others.
I make room for the Spirit of Christ.”
Pause for a few breaths, letting the glow of the light fill your awareness.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.