Christ has been unknown to you because you have kept the gates of your devotion closed. Take this Christmas celebration seriously and through deep and sustained meditation invite the Christ to manifest himself to you. Jesus himself said that to all those who received him, he would give the power to become the sons of God.

Then why not make yourself ready to receive him now? It is easier at this season than at any other time, for the whole world is filled with a spirit of good will, love, and peace. The entire cosmos celebrates this season of joy for Christ’s light permeates all space.

Don’t waste time

That is the real reason why we celebrate his birthday—in order to remind ourselves of the divine qualities of Jesus and to awaken ourselves to a realization of the enlightening, loving Christ presence in our own consciousness.

If you want real emancipation, do not waste your time. If you want to be prince of the world and conquer fear, disease, suffering, and death, do not go to bed until you make the contact with God. Do not go to sleep unless you feel that he is with you. If you will do this every day, you will see such happiness come into your life that it goes beyond all understanding. You must make the effort, but the effort will be worthwhile. Follow the way of the Christ and do not give up.

Spend more time in solitude

If you would experience this joy, spend more of your time in solitude. Remember, the only real happiness is in communing with God in meditation. Although you meditate two or three hours at night, and then sing and talk to Him, at first you will find no response. Then, suddenly, a light will appear. Suddenly a fragrance will come. This is the way God manifests Himself to man, but it requires great persistence on your part.

We must live as unselfishly as he lived. Be sure that love and good will go with your Christmas gifts, and be sure to recognize the spirit and the hand of the Father in those you receive. Give extra time to meditation for at least the week preceding Christmas. Take several hours the day before, and be sure to meditate on Christmas morning.

Accept this great gift which the Father meant for you. Do not let Jesus’ living and his suffering be in vain. He came to bring you joy and glory and peace and light. These he offers to you always but with special tenderness and love at this holy season. Wake up and accept the gift of life.

Excerpted from articles in Inner Culture, December 1935 and 1936.

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