Go Tell It On The Mountain

It’s easy to understand the call of the mountain. There’s just something about it that we long for as human beings. And through that longing, the mountain compels us to stand in its glory and behold its eternal beauty. I’m sure that’s why nearly every couple who wants to elope in Big Sky Country wants to share their vows and proclaim in joyous rapture “I Do!” on top of a mountain.

The mountain is also a sacred place that holds the secrets of the Natural world. It is a place of refuge from the longing for something greater than our own existence. It is where we retreat to find solace in its everlasting strength so we can return to the realities of modern life with full hearts and soothed souls. It’s also where we often find the grandure of Spirit amog the rocks and trees and whisper our problems to the sky, silently wishing for a savior.

Well, you can be sure that those prayers have been heard. It might be hard to see in everyday life, but fortunately, on Christmas Eve it becomes evident that we have much to appreciate and share, even though we sometimes struggle. For one night, we join together in a global celebration of our longing for salvation and the one who shall bring it. It is a night when everything is possible and all our prayers really can come true. And as Christians, we celebrate the birth of God Himself, who willingly became that Savior through His son, Jesus Christ. 

For that reason, this time of year is full of celebrations, accompanied by music, twinkling lights and thoughtful gifts. We decorate our homes, set out our finest china (well, I do at least!) and prepare our favorite foods. And best of all, we share all of this with those we love. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

But do you know who is the most important guest on Christmas Eve? It’s the baby Jesus. 

Each year we remind ourselves of His story when, in ancient times, the people asked for a savior. Someone to help them find their way in uncertain times. Someone to help ease their day-to-day suffering. Someone to help them not only find their own salvation, but also to be a beacon of love for the whole world and everyone in it, unconditionally. And that prayer was answered through the birth of Jesus, granting all of us the opportunity to also receive eternal life if we only allow Him to be born in our hearts. What an incredible gift.

And I have a feeling that if you knew the baby Jesus was coming to your home for Christmas, you would certainly “go tell it on the mountain”. You would want everyone to know how He chose to spend the most holy night with you. And it would be glorious, not because of the riches of heaven that He promises, but because He will become a source of light in your life that can never be dimmed. So let’s welcome Him into our lives and into our hearts this season with a sincere invitation to that child whose birth we celebrate tonight with carols and candles; a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Many ages ago, the prophet Isaiah said, “The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.” 

His prophecy promises that with that light, we will be offered salvation through Jesus Christ. But there’s a catch. Although Jesus has defeated sin at the cross, we still await the final judgement, where all evil will be destroyed and our sins forgiven. Until then, we have to deal with a world that is sometimes dark and chaotic, where sin and death still exist. And yet, we have hope that one day Christ will return, lead us into the Promised Land of the new creation, and destroy death, sin, and evil forever. Tonight is that night where our prayers for a savior are answered. The night when we welcome Jesus as the most important guest in our lives. Now is the time to embody His message and share it with the world.

When we welcome the baby Jesus into our own lives, we also must recognize that He resides in each and every one of us. When you see your favorite person, and run up and hug them tight, that’s the baby Jesus at work. It’s easy to see Him in those that we love, even though we might not realize it in the moment, but He is there. And the same is true for the homeless stranger on the street. The baby Jesus is with him too, as He is no stranger to suffering.   

The love of Christ is there for all of us, whether we realize it or not, no matter what our inner or outer circumstances are. No matter how much we have sinned in the past, and no matter who we are, the everlasting light of God will be there for us – in us. So this Christmas, let’s recognize that Jesus lives in all our hearts.

Mountaintop Meditation

Let’s take a brief moment to take all the light and hope offered to us this season and focus it on someone out there who needs it. Whether you know them or not, there is someone who is calling for a savior this Christmas. Let’s send our love out to the world and know that we can be that light, tonight and every night.

First, settle in front of your altar, meditation space, or in your favorite cozy chair. Light a small candle. Take three deep but gentle breaths. Focus on your candle or light source. Imagine yourself on top of the “mountain”. Ask yourself these questions, one at a time and let the answers arise naturally.

• What would you like to share with God/Spirit/Universe?
• What prayers do you need answered for yourself?
• What prayers can you send out on behalf of others?
• What do you want to shout from the mountaintop?

Then, take those thoughts or prayers and turn them into a ball of bright light. Feel that light within you and let it build in your heart area for a minute or two. Ask the baby Jesus to help you turn that light into pure compassion. Then think of someone who could use some healing, generosity or love sent their way and let the baby Jesus handle the rest (or the spiritual ally of your choice). Have complete faith that it will get where it needs to go, but that you don’t need to necessarily know when or how. Just let the light flow from you while gently gazing at the candle for a few minutes. Finish up with a prayer or intention of your choice and be thankful that you can turn the worries of the world over to a willing and loving savior.

And this isn’t just a nice thing to do on Christmas Eve. You can practice this every day. Everywhere. For Everyone. That is the true spirit of Christmas. If we truly accept Jesus into our hearts and proclaim “Hallelujah, Christ is Born!” from the mountaintop, then we must carry His light and love everyday, recognizing that same spark of Divinity in everyone we meet, honoring the light in them just as you would honor the baby Jesus knowing that our longing for a savior can be fulfilled. Then share this knowledge, this Spirit, with everyone throughout the year. And if just for tonight, may the entire world be filled with peace and joy, love and light. For over and over and over again, throughout eternity, the Peace of Christ shall be born in us all. Now go tell it on the mountain!