Carriers of Christ
December Advent Newsletter: "it is in the midst of us, for it beats in our very blood, whether we want it to or not.” ~Thomas Merton
“The body is like Mary, and each of us has a Jesus inside. Who is not in labour, holy labour? Every creature…God is really there within, so innocently drawing life from us with Her umbilical universe – infinite existence… though also needing to be born. Yes, God also needs to be born!” — Rumi
We are Invited into the Miraculous
In my work as a spiritual director, I am often journeying with people as they connect their head to their heart. What they may have believed to be true in their head, even preached about, such as God loves them, is only just now taking up space in their heart and transforming how they live. In Care of Souls Thomas Moore succinctly says:
“‘Soul’ is the connection between the mind and heart.” ~ Thomas Moore
As we begin Advent, I want to invite you to consider this ongoing invitation to consent to God’s indwelling presence (see God Waits for Consent).
For some of us, we may have been told or encouraged others, “invite Jesus into your heart.” Yet in some mysterious way, God already is within us, ‘beats in our very blood' as Merton says below, and we are within God.
“…no despair of ours can alter the reality of things; or stain the joy of the cosmic dance which is always there. Indeed, we are in the midst of it, and it is in the midst of us, for it beats in our very blood, whether we want it to or not.” ~Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
I don’t pretend to understand this mystery, but I do sense it is a both-and, God dwells within us, and we consent to receive Christ within us. Like Mary consented to receive Christ within, we are invited to say yes.
As I read the above and below quotes, I am drawn into the mystery of the virgin birth, God breathes God’s presence into Mary in a unique, profound, unnatural way.
We too are invited to receive. Next week, I’ll invite you to consider how to step into this in practical ways of choosing rest even amidst the busyness of this season.
Spiritual Practice: Lectio Divina
For now, I invite you to slow down and consider your response to this invitation.
Turn to God’s gaze of love on you, no matter what your response.
When you are ready, read the below quotes and breath prayer a few times slowly, listening with your soul.
“One can think of many spiritual things that are negated by taking them outwardly instead of inwardly.
The virgin birth is one. This has a powerful meaning for anyone who is going through the individuation process, for it tells us that the miraculous event, the birth of Christ within us, comes about through the intercourse of divine powers with the eternal human soul. That Christ birth can come in us, too, if our soul interacts with God, and when it does it is just as miraculous and unbelievable as a virgin birth.”
~Robert A. Johnson, He
Pause. Re-read slowly, seeing what words beckon you.
Inhale: I am invited to receive
Exhale: Christ’s birth within
“What we think of as our search for God is, in reality, a response to the divine Lover drawing us to [God’s] self. There is never a moment when divine Love is not at work…This work is nothing other than a giving of the divine Self in love. The logical consequence for us must surely be that our part is to let ourselves be loved, let ourselves be given to, let ourselves be worked upon by this great God and made capable of total union with Him.” -Ruth Burrows, Essence of Prayer
Inhale: Divine Love is at work
Exhale: I can let myself be loved
Upcoming Soul Care for Wounded Healer Events
Soul Care Groups: Three options!
Second Tuesdays, Dec 10th, Advent Soul Care Group, geared for helping professionals (former or current), rooted in Christian tradition.
Second Fridays, Dec 13th, Contemplative Silent Meditation, (optional breakouts).
(Third) Friday, Dec 20th, a little earlier due to holidays Soul Care Group for DV/SA Advocates!
If your first time, please register so I can get to know you a bit!
RESOURCES
Advent Retreat: Contemplative Society: Heather Ruce
The Body is like Mary: An Online Evening Retreat to Deepen into Advent
with Heather Ruce on December 16th, 2024
6:30–8:30pm PACIFIC TIME
Link to register: https://www.contemplative.org/events2/advent2024/
Godspace Light: Lean Toward the Light
BURNOUT & RECOVERY RESOURCE LIST (Hay varias en Español también). If you have recommendations, I'd love to hear about them!
INSIGHT TIMER GUIDED MEDITATIONS:
I’ve recorded some of my soul care group meditations for your listening and prayerful contemplation on-the-go. I welcome your rating and sharing of the meditations.
SOUL CARE FOR WOUNDED HEALER: CUSTOMIZED NON-PROFIT WORKSHOPS
Based on the book, From Burned Out to Beloved, workshops integrate discussion questions, grounding activities, trauma research, recovery tools, contemplative practices, and other spiritual disciplines. They seek to improve the overall well-being of individuals, enhance organizational culture, and improve sustainability and effectiveness in work.
Workshop topics can be combined or tailored specifically for your group. Contact me to start the conversation.
Bethany Dearborn Hiser is the Director of Soul Care for Northwest Family Life, a network of therapists trained to work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma.
She is the author of From Burned Out to Beloved: Soul Care for Wounded Healers. For more about her, her book, or workshops she offers, visit: