Basking in the Moon's Glow
Merry Christmas!!! Receiving and Rejoicing in the Light (Part 1)
Thank you! I am so grateful for you, for reading these words I put out to the world. Writing comes from deep within and it’s an honor to share it with you.
Basking in the Moon’s Glow
The other morning, I woke up early before my family was awake. Moonlight streamed through our window, brighter than any street light. Basking in the moon’s glow, I still marvel that the moon has no light of its own.
Are we like this full moon, reflecting God’s glory and beauty and light? We confuse the light with our own, but really we receive and reflect the light of the One Above Us All.
“All honor to the One Above Us All, and let peace and goodwill follow all who walk upon the earth.” (Luke 2:14, FNVNT)
As I sat with the Christmas story again this year, in an Ignatian reflection, (see below resource), I was moved by this declaration of the angels. The angels seem to invite us to recognize the Light, I wonder if that’s what adoration really is: Recognize the Source, reflect the light and peace and goodwill flow to all people.
I’m struck by the natural way rejoicing pours out of the shepherds, gratitude as a right response to this amazing promise coming true.
As we receive God’s light, welcome it within us, we join with the Light as it reflects back to others. Our contours, mountains, and valleys shape how that light lands in the world. The seasons and days alter our glow. The clouds often obscure the clarity with which we shine, but the Source still shines no matter the weather. The moonlight is there, just not always visible.
Moonlight is more visible at the darkest time of year, early evening to pre-dawn. Maybe we need it more in our darkest times too.
Pause, notice and honor your consent.
Take a moment to consider this Source of Light shining on you,
Gaze of Love pouring over you
Receive the Light
Behold the beholder, beholding you and smiling (~Anthony de Mello)
(I’ll continue this reflection in next newsletter).
with gratitude and deep joy,
Bethany Dearborn Hiser
Recommended Resources
Ignatian Adventure, by Kevin O’Brien
The Whole Language, by Greg Boyle
Thank you Bethany! I love this reflection! As always!