The sweet joy of Christmas Eve touched our MSIA family from California across the United States and to countries around the world, including Nigeria, Germany, Australia, Chile, Brazil and many more. We tuned in to the Christ within as we tuned in to this special webcast, hosted by the Pepper family from Santa Monica, California — Wayne, Julia, Morgan, Olivia and Scout. As we were reminded that Christmas Eve is when the angels touch down to earth, we were touched by angels singing, dancing and sharing their humor and love to help us welcome the joy of this most special evening into our hearts.
Prior to the Christmas Eve webcast, we had sweet blessings for over four hours through video broadcasts of John-Roger from past Christmas Eve seminars. The videos spanned over the many years that John-Roger, the Founder of MSIA, has been sharing with us about tuning in to the love and strength that is of the Christ. I found the excerpts inspiring and comforting as John-Roger reminded us who we truly are as spiritual beings always surrounded, filled and protected by God’s love.
After the seminars came to a close, we moved gently into the webcast with the lovely flute and harp music of Claire Smith and Estelle Day. Then Penelope Bright joined us, accompanied by Estelle, and read her variation on “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a poem of humor, tenderness and appreciation for the practicalness of the holiday time. I loved it when Penelope suggested that we all “Occupy Christmas!”
The Pepper family then took turns introducing beautiful, inspiring artists and musicians alternately with more John-Roger excerpts. We were serenaded by the sweet voice of Clara Beatriz Jaramillo singing both in English and Spanish, “Silent Night – Noche de Paz.” Eric Lumiere then sang his original song, “Seeing our Souls,” which can also be heard on a precious video about Peace Theological Seminary’s many workshops and classes. In a lovely interpretative dance, Eternity Wauls moved gracefully and jubilantly to an a capella version of “23rd Psalm” by Bobby McFerrin.
In touching excerpts from John-Roger’s seminars, I heard us reminded to let love take us where love wants us to go and to always remember that we are one with the Lord. Just like Christ, we were born the Lord and we can be reborn wherever we find ourselves. It is through our innocence and forgiveness that we are reborn and renewed. At times when we may find a situation troubling, we can ask ourselves how Jesus would see it, and then allow that sweet love and joy that is the Christ to be our guidance, comfort and strength.
John Morton, the Spiritual Director, of MSIA then joined us and shared how he had viewed the many John-Roger seminars earlier in the day and found them deeply inspiring and a true celebration of the Spirit. John mentioned how celebrating at this time of year can be challenging due to life circumstances. John reminded us to move away from the distractions of the world and remember our true connection to the loving Spirit within as that is our true celebration.
I heard John note that at times our expression may not represent the truth of who we are, and we can make things more difficult for ourselves. It’s important then to remember to see the Spirit in ourselves and each other and remember our Divine Nature. I loved hearing John suggest that we think of ourselves as saints while remembering our humanness and ordinariness. The gifts of Spirit are all offered to us now, John noted. We will have experiences that help us find our strengths and to see those spiritual gifts within us. John suggested we make the commitment to our spiritual growth and not allows ourselves to choose any alternative. Rather than move into self-doubt, John suggested we have mercy and compassion for ourselves and our learning and growth as spiritual beings in this world.
John then closed the evening by doing a profoundly touching blessing, reaching out physically as well as spiritually to all of us. John circled the stage, sent his loving prayer and blessing out to everyone, and encouraged us to be open to receive. As John held his hands in prayer and acknowledged all of us around the world, it was a truly beautiful movement of spiritual inner awareness!
Gabe Morgan then provided us with a jazzy rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and the Pepper family closed the evening with gratitude and good wishes to us all for a lovely, sweet and joyful Christ-mass!
click here to view the photos on Flickr
Our next live webcast with John Morton is Saturday, February 25th, from 1-2:30PM PST, and the theme is Love Is In The Air. Watch online at www.msia.org/live.
