Listening to Christmas

By Alan Harris

Have you ever heard snow?

Christmas at the Motherhouse

Not the howling wind of a blizzard, not the crackling of snow underfoot, but the actual falling of snow?

Have you ever heard Christmas? Not the traffic noises in the city, not the bells and hymns and carols, beautiful as they are, not even the laughter of your children as they open their presents — but Christmas itself?

Have you been by yourself and just sat and listened to the silence within, patiently, without letting the mind race to the next Christmas chore?

Perhaps if you have, you felt the pulse of all humanity beating in your own heart.
Perhaps you noticed an outflowing of love for all your brothers and sisters on the earth, a soft sense of Oneness with all that lives.

In the silence of a snowy night, listen intently, holding your breath, and you may hear snow on snow.
Serene, alone, undisturbed by thought, listen to the silence in your heart, and you may hear Christmas.

Amen