CHRISMAS APPROACHES : HOW TO PREPARE IT AND HOW TO LIVE IT

CHRISMAS APPROACHES : HOW TO PREPARE IT AND HOW TO LIVE IT

I. INTRODUCTION

<< HOLY Night! Exultant singing in jubilant gratitude once streamed through all the spheres of Creation when the SON OF GOD JESUS was born in the stable in Bethlehem! And shepherds in the fields, from whose spiritual eyes the bandage was removed during this joyous upheaval of the Universe, so that they could bear witness to this immense happening and thus call people’s attention to it, fell upon their knees apprehensively because they were overwhelmed by what was so new and incomprehensible to them.

It was fear on the part of the shepherds, who for this purpose were temporarily made clairvoyant and also clairaudient. Fear of the greatness of the happening, of the Omnipotence of GOD thus made manifest! For this reason the herald from the Luminous Heights first spoke to them reassuringly: “Be not afraid!”

Whenever a herald from the Luminous Heights speaks to human beings you will ever again find these words, for it is fear that earthmen always perceive first when seeing and hearing heralds from on high. This is called forth by the pressure of the power, to which they are also opened a little in such moments. But only to the smallest part, for anything more would surely smother and burn them.
And yet it should be joy, not fear, as soon as the spirit of man strives for the Luminous Heights!

This did not become manifest to all mankind during the Holy Night! The Star became physically visible, but nobody on earth saw this luminous herald and the luminous hosts surrounding him. None saw and heard this but the few shepherds chosen for the purpose, who through their simplicity and close connection with Nature could be most easily opened to receive it.

And such great revelations on earth can never take place other than through a few chosen for the purpose! Remember this always! For the lawfulness in Creation cannot be annulled on your account! Therefore do not build up any fanciful pictures about various happenings, which can never be as you imagine them to be! These are unspoken demands, which never emanate from genuine conviction, but they are a sign of hidden unbelief and spiritual indolence, which has not absorbed my Word of the Message in such a manner as it demands to enable it to come to life in the human spirit.

In those days people believed the shepherds, at least for a short period! Today such people are only derided, considered eccentric, or even as impostors wishing to obtain earthly benefits thereby! For mankind has sunk far too deeply to be still able to accept calls from the Luminous Heights as genuine, especially when they themselves cannot hear or see anything.>>

(Grail Message : Conference ‘’Christmas’’)

II. HISTORIC

II.1. Introduction

<< THERE shall now be Light here on earth, as once it should have been when the Star of Promise shone radiantly above a stable in Bethlehem.
But at that time only a few accepted the Light, and those who listened to them very soon distorted and misrepresented it, as men on earth are apt to do. What they forgot they tried to replace with ideas of their own, thereby creating only confusion that nowadays is meant to pass as inviolable Truth.

Out of alarm that everything will collapse if even the smallest pillar proves to be unsound, every ray of Light that can bring recognition is resisted, defiled and, if there is no other way, at least ridiculed with a malice and cunning which plainly indicates to clear thinking that it springs from fear! But clear thinking is only rarely to be found on earth.

In spite of this the light of true recognition must at last come over all mankind!

The time has arrived when everything unhealthy invented by the human brain will be swept out of Creation, so that it no longer suppresses the enlightenment that the Truth wears a different aspect from the unsteady images which boastful conceit and commercialism, morbid imagination and hypocrisy, in a craving for earthly power and earthly admiration, have created out of the sultry swamp of base narrow-mindedness.

Accursed now be those who through leading millions of people astray have so enslaved them that today no longer dare to open their eyes to the Light, but blindly revile anything coming to their knowledge that sounds different from what they have hitherto heard, instead of at last listening attentively and examining inwardly to see whether the new does not come nearer to their understanding than what they have learned in the past.

Their ears are stopped, and anxiously they see to it that no breath of fresh air penetrates to them. Actually just out of laziness and fear that this fresh air, through the ensuing recovery, implies spiritual activity, demanding and enforcing self-exertion. In contrast to the present apparently comfortable spiritual slumber, which is followed by the heavy permanent sleep, and thereby only gives a free hand to the cunning of the distorted, debases intellect!

But it is of no avail to stop your ears against the new Word, to shut your eyes lest the Light dazzle and startle you! You will now be forcibly roused from this deplorable stupor! You will have to stand shivering before the cold Light that mercilessly strips you of all false wrappings. Shivering because your spirit-spark can no longer be kindled within you, and thus generate the warmth from within that will unite with the Light.

Indeed it is all too easy for you to believe the unbelievable; for then you need not trouble to think and examine for yourselves. Just because it cannot stand up to any test that is in accordance with the Divine Laws of Nature, you simply have to believe, without questioning the why or wherefore; you have to believe blindly, and this you imagine to be great! You who so conveniently imagine you are particularly devout, simply raise yourselves above all doubts in this matter, and… feel happy, secure, noble, pious and sure of a place in Heaven!

However, you have not thereby raised yourselves above all doubt, but only bypassed it in a cowardly way! You were too spiritually indolent to bestir yourselves, and preferred blind faith to a knowledge of the natural happening in the Law of God’s Will. Fiction devised by the human brain aided you in this. For the more absurd and incomprehensible the things you are supposed to believe, the easier it also becomes literally to believe in them blindly, because in such matters it is quite impossible to do otherwise. Knowledge and conviction must be eliminated then.>> (Grail Message : ‘’The Star of Bethlehem’’).

II.2. RUNNING OF THE EVENT

"... When Marie thought about her wedding later, she felt every time the serenity that had invaded her that day. His life went on without a hitch. Joseph did everything to arrange it.
When Mary's condition became apparent, he lived more than one painful moment. The allusions, sometimes debonair, sometimes sarcastic, often said with inquisitive innuendoes, blotted them like so many pinpricks. Joseph started to avoid the street. Worried, he made sure that Marie rarely left the house. He feared that she could not hear such words. When working during the day, he was silent and locked in on himself. Sad and painful thoughts obsessed him. If he felt that his workers were watching him, he was trying to sound gay. He hummed a tune that sometimes interrupted abruptly.
But as soon as he came home, all his sadness vanished. His house had never had such an intimate atmosphere as Marie reigned there. Deep peace filled him every time he sat in front of her during the meal.
- That I am happy, thought Joseph, I must constantly be grateful that this woman is mine.
His love was free of all desire. He never tried to approach Mary. All his hope was for times to come. Joseph respected Mary. He avoided speaking of the future, as if he feared to disturb his tranquility.
And the time spent ...

One day the messengers of the emperor arrived in the provinces. The emperor had ordered the census of his people. Everyone had to go to his hometown to report to the governor. On hearing this news, Joseph became frightened. Her first thought was for Mary, who was expecting the child shortly. She could not undertake this journey in this state. Should he leave her alone?

Joseph went to find Mary. He stopped on the threshold and looked at her: she was sitting, and was sewing for the child. In doing so, she was singing a simple melody.

The journey to Bethlehem was a long succession of inconveniences for Mary. They had joined a caravan and had to keep moving forward without being able to take into account Mary's condition.
The couple was forced to stay in crowded hostels. For days they found in dilapidated huts only miserable strata in which Marie was falling, exhausted. But when she closed her burning eyes, she could not fall asleep for a long time. It was only a short time before departure that she sank into a restless sleep.

She was happy, in spite of everything; she smiled at Joseph, who was walking beside the little donkey carrying her. He must not have suspected how hard the journey was for her, he must not be worried because of her.

Finally, we approached Bethlehem - the goal was reached. Marie's smile was no longer affected, Bethlehem was going to compensate her for all the suffering she endured!Joseph straightened up visibly, his step became more secure.
"Soon, Marie," said he, looking up at her, "you will soon find rest. I will choose the most beautiful inn, you will have the largest room and the sweetest bed.Marie smiled anxiously."I know you will do everything to please me; I thank you.
And they arrived at Bethlehem. The small town seemed overcrowded. Joseph ran from inn to inn. Whenever he seized the little donkey by the bridle to lead him further, his face grew more and more sad, his shrugs more disillusioned.

And suddenly, when everywhere he was given the same negative answer, he heard a half-muffled cry behind him. Joseph rushed forward and had just enough time to receive in his arms Marie fainted who was about to fall from the donkey.
Marie!Hearing Joseph's voice, she quickly raised her head and looked questioningly at the door.
- Mary, I have to tell you something - do not be frightened - I have to leave you alone.
- Leave me alone - right now?
- I can not do otherwise. I have to go to Bethlehem, my hometown, for the census. It was the emperor who decided that way. You can not undertake this trip now, it would be far too tiring for you.
- Joseph, I'll go with you - stay alone - I can not!
- Your mother will take care of the house, she will be a support for you.

I can not, Joseph, I can not stay without you, unless you do not want me to accompany you.
A gentle emotion invades Joseph, noting the distress of Mary. She needed him, she could not do without her help. Well, she would go with him to Bethlehem.

- I thought only of you by making you this proposal, Marie. But it is with pleasure that I will prepare everything so that you have a little comfort. However, I fear that the trip is still too much for you.Marie breathed a sigh of relief on hearing her consent. She had been seized with anxiety at the thought of being forced to spend the last weeks with her mother. She had rarely seen her. Unconsciously, she clung to Joseph who, through her love and kindness, gave her the calm, the tranquility she so desired for her child while her mother constantly disturbed their harmony and their peace."It will not be painful for me, Joseph, if I can stay with you," said Mary affectionately. And these words rewarded Joseph with all his troubles. They made this simple man so happy that he approached and caressed Marie's hair awkwardly. She took her calloused hand and put down her cheek ...

The journey to Bethlehem was a long succession of inconveniences for Mary. They had joined a caravan and had to keep going without being able to keep a copy of Mary's condition.

The couple was forced to stay in crowded hostels. For days they found in dilapidated huts only miserable strata in which Marie was falling, exhausted. But when she closed her burning eyes, she could not fall asleep for a long time. It was only a short time before departure that she sank into a restless sleep.

She was happy, in spite of everything; she smiled at Joseph, who was walking beside the little donkey carrying her. He must not have suspected how hard the journey was for her, he must not be worried because of her.

Finally, we approached Bethlehem - the goal was reached. Marie's smile was no longer affected, Bethlehem was going to compensate her for all the suffering she endured!

Joseph straightened up visibly, his step became more secure."Soon, Marie," said he, looking up at her, "you will soon find rest. I will choose the most beautiful inn, you will have the largest room and the sweetest bed.Marie smiled anxiously."I know you will do everything to please me; I thank you.And they arrived at Bethlehem. The small town seemed overcrowded. Joseph ran from inn to inn. Whenever he seized the little donkey by the bridle to lead him further, his face grew more and more sad, his shrugs more disillusioned.

And suddenly, when everywhere he was given the same negative answer, he heard a half-muffled cry behind him. Joseph rushed forward and had just enough time to receive in his arms Marie fainted who was about to fall from the donkey.Joseph looked around for help. Then he saw a man come out in haste from the house before which they had stopped. He had noticed the incident.

- Take this woman to my house, Joseph ben Eli!
Joseph looked straight at the old man, then exclaimed happily:
- Levi, friend of my father, I thank you!Then, followed by Levi, he brought Mary into the house. He laid it carefully on the bed that Levi told him. A servant ran to look after the woman who had passed out. The two men left the room in silence. Joseph warmly shook the hand of his father's old friend.These are the hours we seek to lodge; there is no place anywhere; none of our old friends could shelter us and now, while we were completely exhausted, Heaven led us to your house!"Your joy is premature, Joseph; me neither, I can not shelter you. Know that my sons must arrive today and they will occupy all the available space.

- Can not you welcome me? There is no place ? But you must, Levi! The pregnancy of my wife is very advanced, she would die if she could not find rest. There must be somewhere somewhere where she can rest!

Old Levi shook his head, then murmured:
- If you wanted to settle for a cottage in the sheepfold ...
- Gladly, Levi. Oh, anywhere - as long as she can rest.
- The sheep are in the fields, maybe you could settle down, if you want to be satisfied with it ...
- Thank you, Levi, thank you! It would be good if I could go right away to put some order. We will be there like in a palace, we are so tired!
Levi stood up complacently. "Come, I'll show you the way, but I'm afraid ..." The rest was an indistinct whisper.

Joseph followed the old man. He was happy. He began to clean the barn with zeal. He also tried to put some order into it.
It was not the most beautiful inn in the city he had found, nor the largest room, it was an empty, low and narrow sheepfold; from all he had hoped for, there was only a hard layer of straw, and yet it seemed perfect to Joseph. He had found a place for his wife where she could rest for a day or two at most. By then, he would have long ago discovered a hostel where to stay suitably. With this comforting perspective, he went to see Mary.

Silver rays filtered through the small windows of the barn. Shimmering, they glided through the dark room, skimmed the uneven floor, passed over the cribs where a few bits of hay were still hanging, and lingered for a long time on the silhouette of Mary asleep.
The sleeper sighed - a low moan. Then a tremor ran through her whole. She woke up.

She had slept deeply and dreamless for a few hours. Like a mother full of solicitude, sleep had enveloped the exhausted young woman, making him forget everything.

Marie did not immediately recognize where she was. It was only gradually that she remembered being in Bethlehem in a barn.
She looked up at the two tiny windows now flooded with silvery light. Marie was fully awake, freed from the paralyzing fatigue she had felt throughout the journey.

Then a sharp pain penetrated her, the same who had awakened her. Mary opened her mouth as if to make an appeal, but she turned her eyes anxiously at the side where Joseph had been lying. His regular breathing proved to Marie that he was sleeping soundly. It should not be disturbed!

Without turning her head, she gazed back at the moonlight. How many times had she not been lying like that during the night! The calm and soft light that filled the room when this pale light showed itself invariably exercised upon Marie a profound and inexplicable charm. It was then that all the tensions of her body gave way to a beneficent relaxation.

How beautiful it would be if men were so calm in them! If they were clean and pure as precious instruments that, under the hand of the Creator, could make sounds clear and alive! Instead, they carry only confusion and fill their days with proud ideas that they try to transpose into reality. Oh, let it be clear one day, that the Light pierces this darkness!

- Lord, when will you send the promised Messiah? Has not I been allowed to contemplate the Light? Did not wonderful beings tell me that you were near me? Why is it given to a simple girl like me to see things that are hidden from others? Is it really Your Grace that made me so calm? Was not it an illusion?
- Marie!
- Joseph?
- You called me ?
"But sleep, Joseph! I do not have ... oh, Joseph! She moaned painfully.
- With one bound, Joseph was on his feet. He hastily threw his coat over his shoulders.
- What are the pains, Marie?
She did not answer, just looking at him, but he read the answer in his eyes.
- I will seek help; Wait, I'll be back soon. Joseph's voice was hoarse, emotion strangled him. Then he went out hurriedly into the night.
Outside, he stopped, as if fascinated. Forgetting everything, he looked up at the sky - his eyes widened suddenly, as an implacable light radiated vertically above him, forcing him to lean his head back to see the star shining up there.

Joseph stared at the sparkling tail and shuddered. It seemed to him that the air was trembling around him, charged with tension. That's what Joseph was experiencing - this star - it annones the Messiah, the Savior! And tonight your wife is also waiting for a child! Joseph shuddered - he had forgotten it: Marie was waiting for help! He made a violent effort on his own and ran into the street.
A woman came to meet him; he did not see her, so great was his haste, and he continued his frantic race.

But the woman saw the star, she saw a ray of light touch a low house for a few seconds and instinctively she ran. Without thinking that this modest building was a barn, the woman gently opened the door. Full of hope, she looked inside but, dazed, faltering, she drew back. This clarity was unbearable for her.

"My God," she begged, "give me the strength to understand!
She heard a low moan. Then she made a supreme effort and was able to enter freely!

When Joseph returned, he saw light shining through the small windows. The woman who accompanied him followed him with bad grace. This nocturnal call annoyed him. The moment they reached the barn, the door opened. A woman came out, her features were transfigured. Joseph quickly dismissed him, but after looking at Marie, he turned around.
- Marie? So it's not ...?
- Your wife gave you a son, I helped her ...
Then he hastened to enter, carefully closing the door behind him.
A BROUHAHA was heard. Dark shapes were coming in the distance. As pushed by some superior force, shepherds, women, children approached. The calm of the night was troubled.
And the star, who was always there, showed them the way. As a visible sign, she darted its rays on the low roof of the barn. All saw her.

"Messiah - the Savior! These exclamations rose upward, covering the confused voices of voices, forcing the men to look up.
JOSEPH knelt beside his wife. He considered her in silence; like a tired child, she had turned her head aside. The child rested peacefully in a manger. No noise disturbed the grandeur of the moment.

- Marie!
She turned her face to him. His eyes were shining.
"Do you know, Mary, that a star stands above our roof?
- I know it, Joseph.
- And do you also know what this star announces?
- The Messiah !
Joseph swallowed hard, but he said nothing more. He contented himself with resting his head on the hand Marie had left on the blanket.
Marie felt the back of her hand become moist with Joseph's tears; she did not move.
This profound silence was soon interrupted by discreet blows on the door. Joseph got up to go open.
He beheld with astonishment a crowd of people who, huddled together, timid and fearful, waited motionless.
- What do you want ? he inquired of your gruff.
A child, a very little girl, stepped shyly.
- We want to see the Messiah there! The woman told us he was here!
Joseph, hesitating, turned to Marie; she nodded, smiling.

Then everyone pressed inside, until the barn was full of people. They humbly bowed to the manger in which a tiny creature was lying.
The harsh shepherds applied themselves to remain calm. In a low voice, they told how they had seen the star and how some of them had seen the angel of the Lord who had announced to them the birth of the SON OF GOD and showed the stable.

These simple people then went home - they had gone to pick up women and children - and then followed the star's beam until they found the stable.

As their eyes shone! With what ardor did they wish to serve the Messiah! A happiness had seized them. In their bliss, they would have wanted to run to announce the good news to all!
They had trouble leaving. They could not help but stay there contemplating the child until, when Mary needed rest, Joseph begged them to leave ...

MARIE aspired to return home, she wanted to be alone. She still did not understand the grand event she had just experienced.
Bethlehem saw in his child the Savior. We exulted, we marveled and prayed humbly before the manger. For three days the star remained above the house like a faithful guardian. His radiance called men. The star had gathered rich and poor and guided to Bethlehem three princes from distant lands.

They had been chosen to smooth the path of the SON OF GOD on Earth. Their mission was to protect the most sacred treasure that the Earth carried then. That was what they themselves had asked for in their prayers. This was the purpose of their earthly life.

Of course, they arrived; to be sure, they brought presents drawn from their superfluity; but then they left again. They did not keep the oath they had once done to the Creator. They abandoned the SON OF GOD, without protection. The child, who was already awakening the suspicions of the Romans, found himself powerless and could not withstand the first dangers.

The houses of the wealthy bourgeois opened up; on all sides Mary was begged to leave the little stable, but she refused. No, she wanted to be alone, free of influence, and return to Nazareth as soon as possible.

In the calm of her house, she wanted to be alone to taste her happiness. All his love went to the child; she was completely absorbed."

Extract from : "Resonance of buried millennia"
 

Catégorie : knowlege | article publié le : 15 décembre 2019