Click here to view the photo slideshow from the MSIA Family Christmas Eve webcast, 2005.

As I settled in my place at the back of the main ballroom at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, once again I embraced the energy of peace and loving around me. A cooperative hush came over the room as we were about to go live on the Internet to broadcast the MSIA Family Christmas Eve event with people from around the globe participating online.

The event began with the beautiful Ariel Downs playing “Jingle Bells” on the piano to accompany the joyful singing of the MSIA Children’s Choir. The camera pulled back on the picturesque sight of the children and the gloriously decorated stage behind them in variegated hues of violet and gold depicting the majesty of the season.

Following the children, our mistresses of ceremonies, Genie Ford and Pauli Sanderson, welcomed us. This was a delight for all of us to see these two ladies who were there in the very beginning of what has grown into a wonderful and large MSIA family that gathers together regularly. On this night we gathered in celebration of MSIA’s founder, John-Roger. Throughout the event, J-R shared through a series of video clips of Christmas Eve Seminars given over the years starting with 1968.

Genie began by speaking a bit about MSIA’s first Christmas Eve Seminar with John-Roger held in Rosemead, California, which had just a few people in attendance. At this time an audio cassette excerpt of that Seminar was played and Pauli spoke to us a bit afterward about that night and how she began to believe in Santa Claus again and the magic of Christmas.

Next we heard from Nat Sharratt singing his original song “Christmas in L.A.,” which turned out to be fun and energetic, with a bit of humor about the weather L.A. style. Next a message from J-R at MSIA’s Christmas Eve 2001. The message here was to love one another and behold the Christ within.

Next we heard the comedic stylings of Jsu Garcia singing “White Christmas” accompanied by James Hassett on guitar. Then, Pauli shared a Christmas message with us.

Next up was Sally Kirkland with a poem like a Christmas prayer for world peace that delighted us all. After Sally, the next message from J-R was from Christmas Eve 1997. J-R spoke about completion and the universal form of living love. The pearl of great price. The giver, the receiver, and learning the gift of giving and receiving with others. They go hand in hand. To be a good receiver is to be a good giver, and visa versa.

Bob Tackney graced us with one of his many beautiful heartfelt songs that led us to the message from Christmas Eve 1999. In this excerpt, J-R spoke about the material world and loving.

Our next musical inspiration came from Karen Hassett playing an original composition on the piano. It was quite beautiful and Karen was radiant as she played. This was followed by a message from J-R at Christmas Eve 1980 about the Spirit of Oneness and lifting up our hearts.

Pauli then spoke a bit about John-Roger and John Morton and the work they do and the many people they have touched over the years. Once again, J-R’s words touched to us in the room in through an excerpt from the 1997 Christmas Eve seminar on caring.

Pauli then asked us to gently close our eyes as the lights came down a bit leaving a golden glow around Pauli’s head as she guided us through a Christmas meditation in her sweet and gentle voice. Following the meditation, Pauli asked John Morton to come up and do a blessing. John blessed us beautifully in his inimitable style.

Genie & Pauli then came on stage to close the evening. After a pause, we received a great surprise — we heard John-Roger’s voice come into the room with a greeting for all of us in this moment. The room filled with love and happiness at the sound of J-R’s loving embrace.

We ended the evening with the Bright Family: Laren, Penelope, and Arissa sang two songs. One of them was in the most amazing a cappella harmony! And so another wonderfully memorable Christmas Eve goes on archive for us to once again remember the simple joys and wisdom of the holidays. Wishing you and yours a Spirit filled New Year. God Bless us one and all.

You can watch the Christmas Eve event through the archive at www.msia.org/live/archives.php.