Embracing the Divine Light: A Journey of Grace into the New Year

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my recent experiences, particularly a short course titled "The Holy Season for Mystics" with Caroline Myss and Robert Holden. This sacred time, nearing the celebration of Christmas—symbolising the birth of light—invites us to explore the profound connection between light, grace, and our spiritual path.

What Does Light Speak Of?

St. Thomas Aquinas once pondered

“What Does Light Talk About?

When you recognise her beauty,

the eye applauds, the heart stands in an ovation,

and the tongue, when she is near is on its best behavior,

it speaks more like light.

What does light talk about? I asked a plant that once. It said, "I am not sure, but it makes me grow."

This journey into understanding light reveals its dual role as a source of illumination and a catalyst for growth. The teachings from this holy season remind us that light is not merely an abstract concept but an experience that permeates our very souls. As we embrace and become aware of this light, we have the incredible opportunity to touch the lives of those we love.

The call to action is beautifully encapsulated in Buddha's words:

"Make of yourself a light."

Similarly, the essence of Christ, referred to as the "candle of God," reminds us that the divine spark dwells within each of us. Recognising this divine light illuminates our path and helps us connect to something far greater than ourselves.

The Nature of Advent: Ever-Present Light

Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus," meaning arrival, prompts us to consider the presence of light in our lives. It signifies that the light is already here, available for those who choose to open their hearts and minds to it. Advent is not limited to a season—it is a daily invitation to orient ourselves toward light.

To practice the celebration of this ever-present light and surrender to its transformative nature, we can start by cultivating a state of basic openness. Each new day presents an invitation to enter deeper into the realms of love, guidance, and inspiration. As we ponder questions such as, "What is inspiring me right now?" or "What am I being guided to this year?" we can align ourselves with the divine invitation of the holy season.

Here are some questions you can journal on during this sacred season in preparation for welcoming the new year:

How can I be a light for others?

What am I being guided to?

What is my spiritual direction this year? (A teacher I want to learn from? A place I want to visit? A prayer I want to include in my daily practice)

These questions challenge us to recognise the divine light within us and share it with the world. As you engage in your own spiritual practice, try lighting a candle and gazing at its flame for a prolonged period of time in meditation. You will notice after a while that you are in communion with the light that dwells within.

Creating moments of reflection prompts us to ask ourselves how we can embody this light and offer it to those around us.

As Caroline Myss notes, we must "keep ourselves illuminated in a world that is rupturing with chaos and awakening in transformation."

The richness of our shared humanity unfolds when we acknowledge our interconnectedness.

Meister Eckhart's wisdom encourages us to "become aware of what is in you, announce it, pronounce it, produce it, and give birth to it."

Every person we encounter can be seen as a ray of light; recognising this illuminates our own hearts and invites us to see the divine in everyone.

A Call to Be Born Again

Art: Painting is about capturing the light

Physics: Einstein said, "What would the Universe look like if I were riding at the end of a light beam at the speed of light?" What would the Universe look like if we were to accept that we are an expression of this light?

"Light is an experience, not just a symbol and a metaphor. It's our original experience, the experience of who we really are" ~Robert Holden

Light is a way of seeing and an invitation to see, to heal our spiritual blindness, to see the Divine in everything, everyone, everywhere. To let the light in, we have to surrender to it.

"Light will someday split you open, even if your life is now a cage. Little by little, You will turn into stars." ~ Hafiz

As we celebrate this holy season, we are invited to consider what we want to be born within us—as Robert Holden beautifully expresses, this is a time to reflect on new beginnings. Reflecting on the story of Mary, who embodies innocence and readiness, we too can embrace this call. By surrendering to the divine presence, we prepare ourselves to receive what is waiting to be birthed within us.

We are invited to explore how our willingness to embrace love over fear can elevate us into a higher frequency, becoming vessels of healing and light.

As we move into the new year, Robert Holden invites us to meditate on our purpose and ask ourselves:

What is one way I experience light in my ordinary life?

What kind of light do I want to manifest in the new year?

Inviting this light into our beings can transform our lives, the relationships we have, and the environments we inhabit.

Shining Our Light into the World

This holy season calls us not to commemorate the birth of Christos, the Christ Light, but to participate in its living legacy. Each time we speak to someone kindly, see the divine in those we meet, or dedicate ourselves to truth, we practise the light that came into the world.

"Namaste: The Light in me bows to the Light in you."

This sentiment encompasses our shared journey and the collective light we bring into existence. As we prepare for the new year, I invite you to take a moment to pause in prayer. Close your eyes and open your heart, asking for divine guidance to help you tap into grace.

Pray for the illumination you seek: "Please infuse my spirit with light and grace. Help me to embody love and compassion in all that I do." Allow this intention to guide your actions, reminding you that grace is a constant presence, waiting to be embraced.

May we enter the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to ignite the light within ourselves and inspire those around us. Let us shine brightly into the world, becoming vessels of grace and love in our communities and beyond.