...ISN'T UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?

The Festive Season is upon us as we come to the end of another year and move into the next. It is a time of year for frivolity, for putting a bit of sparkle in your footsteps, relaxing a little and enjoying yourself; it is a time to remember loved ones, present and past, and to feel Gratitude. Your family and friends may be your focus or religion may play a big part in this for you but whatever is important to you and however you enjoy Christmas and New Year, it is also a time for some that is weighed down with overwhelming expectations, sadness and loneliness. For some who wrestle with Life most of the year, it can be far from sparkly.
Christmas is fundamental to the Christian Calendar, a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As a multi-cultural country, this time of year however may hold a variety of meanings across our communities... can one common theme for us all to share be Unconditional Love?... the Love that Jesus lived, breathed and shared with everyone?... the Love without judgement, the Love that sees the Real Truth in Who You Are?... the Love that sees you are doing your Best with what you have and your perception of the World and encourages, supports and guides you without question?... a Dream? Is it possible for Love to be truly Unconditional?

How Would You Describe 'UNCONDITIONAL LOVE' ?...

My inspiration for this issue actually came from this wonderful quote by Mary Haskell:

“Nothing you become will disappoint me; I have no preconception that I'd like to see you be or do. I have no desire to forsee you, only to discover you. You can't disappoint me”

Mary was an author and a close friend of Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931), himself famous for his books 'The Prophet' and 'The Beloved', the latter of which I read about 12 years ago when I began to wonder why Love caused so much heartache?! Unconditional Love? Was it possible? What does that actually mean? Is it about self-sacrifice? About worship? Helping those in need?
The quote feels to me very peaceful; it talks of non-judgement and no expectations, of supporting and consciously sharing the other's life journey... how many of us can truly love like this?
Perhaps this Christmas when it comes to mind, when giving a present or your time, give without thinking of receiving anything back... give from your heart... it will feel different... Love to you all x