A Reflection for Christmas
By Sr. Elizabeth Langmead, MHSH President
Meister Eckhart (1260-1327) was a German mystic, theologian and philosopher. He was a member of the Dominican order. He spoke of the Feast of Christmas and the Eternal Birth borne by God and which God never ceases to bear in all eternity. He says, “but if it takes not place in me, what avails it? Everything lies in this, that it should take place in me.”
During this year’s Advent time, I have been “sitting with” the words and meaning from the Christmas story: “…and there was no room in the inn.” Of course, that phrase calls to mind and heart all those in our world who are seeking refuge, acceptance and inclusion. How welcoming and inclusive am I/are we?
I reflect upon our Mission Helper outreach to women, men and children seeking asylum. Those who flee from unspeakable, unimaginable persecution to save their lives. They are bearers of the suffering, persecuted face of God. They are bearers of hope and incredible courage as they leave all to begin anew. What of my inclusion of those who may perhaps think or believe differently then I /we do? Can I/we make room for those people and life events that sometimes disappoint, exclude or dismiss me/us? Can I/we make room for God’s surprises?
The phrase further calls me to reflect on how open my heart is to make room for God. Do I welcome God into all of who I am? Do I sometimes try to hide from God and clutter my life, thus leaving little room for that still, small voice of a God? Have you noticed, usually in retrospect, how people and situations come into our life and stretch or challenge us to make room for a new way of being? We are all called to be bearers of God and to open ourselves to those many God bearers all around us. Do I allow the Light of Christ to illuminate those dark, fearful, broken parts of myself that can only be healed by the love and compassion of God?
This Christmas may we truly experience the awesome gift of God’s very self coming to dwell within and among us! May we welcome the Light of Christ that dispels the darkness and calls us to be light bearers. Let us celebrate Emmanuel – God with us!
We wish each of you a blessed Christmas and a New Year of peace and joy. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our dear friends, donors and families who assist and support us in our efforts to give birth to Christ—the true Light of the World! Let us continue to raise our hearts and voices in prayers for Peace.
Let me end this Christmas greeting by sharing the following reminder of the Divine’s call to become the bearers of God:
“Not to one
but to many you have called:
on the dancing wind
come
from the deepest forest
come
from the highest places
come
from the distant lands
come
from the edge of darkness
come
from the depth of fear
and become
the bearer of God.”
–Jan Richardson, Night Visions
From The Heart 
Thank you so much for your reflection. I admire your community very much for your sharing your home with asylees! God bless! Dolores SSJ