Welcome me not into a manger, but into the altar to holiness … *
Isn’t it interesting that in the section in A Course in Miracles which mentions Christmas, Jesus tells us not to welcome him “into a manger” which limits him (and us) to the world? He throws tradition out the window, and, instead, reminds us to return to the altar of holiness in our Mind. That’s where Perfect Peace abides. Then he goes on to reiterate that giving is receiving–a Message on which the Course is based.
Ken Wapnick** often teaches that the Jesus of A Course in Miracles is not the Jesus of the bible. The bible-story Jesus has human emotions and works miracles that heal the body. But the Course explains that “… the name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol.” In other words, Jesus the man is part of the illusory story the ego tells. ACIM would have us understand Jesus is actually the manifestation of the Holy Spirit–as are we. For a deeper understanding of this, read the Manual for Teachers, #23. Does Jesus Have a Special Place in Healing? and Clarification of Terms #6. The Holy Spirit.
In the Song of Prayer supplement, we’re told, “Without guilt there is no scarcity.” An Innocent Mind is a Whole, Unified Mind, and a Unified Mind overflows with abundance–It extends Love, Peace and Joy naturally, because that is All There Is. Lesson 108: “To give and to receive are one in truth,” begins, “Vision depends upon today’s idea.” It’s a lesson worth reviewing during the “gift-giving” season. It offers a simple practice you might want to use:
To give is to receive. Today we will attempt to offer peace to everyone, and see how quickly peace returns to us. Light is tranquility, and in that peace is vision given us, and we can see. Begin the practice periods by saying, “To give and to receive are one in truth. I will receive what I am giving now.
Then close your eyes, and for five minutes think of what you would hold out to everyone, to have it yours. You might, for instance, say: To everyone I offer quietness. To everyone I offer peace of mind. To everyone I offer gentleness. Say each one slowly and then pause a while, expecting to receive the gift you gave.
* T-15.III.9:6
**Ken and Gloria Wapnick have been teaching A Course in Miracles from the beginning and are founders of the teaching institute, Foundation for A Course in Miracles, which you can visit at www.facim.org.