Congregation of Unitarian Universalists of Puerto Rico
Congregation of Unitarian Universalists of Puerto Rico
Gift of Change
Spiritual Celebration for Advent and the coming of Christmas:
This is a time of year when we ask-and are asked-what do you want? We ask and we answer. We shop, we wrap, we ship. And the season usually comes and goes so quickly that we never really answer the question: What do you want? This can be a question for each of us to hold on to for a time in mind and heart. What do we want? Not what would we like, but what do we want to give us a deeper connection with life and to help us give expression to our deepest selves? Not a long list of things, but a sense of clarity that illuminates what it is we are doing and why.
Lighting of the Chalice:
Rev. Lindi Ramsden, adaptedPrayer:
(Followed by a moment of silent meditation) Praise of Life
Joys and Concerns: : (We throw a small stone into this bowl filled with water, to symbolize our thoughts, which move in circular rings eternally, like concentric waves.)
Hymn::
Reading: Discussion topic: Gift of Change Discussion: We have each had many holiday experiences in the past, and they
often influence our perception of the holiday season now. Whether our
experiences have been rewarding and pleasant, or disappointing and sad, we may
expect more of the same this year. But whether the season has been difficult or
easy for you in the past, imagine that this year it might become a time to
abandon your expectations, let down your guard, and allow the whole experience
to touch you deeply in a new way. Imagine the many experiences that come with
the season: the people, conversations, and laughter the music and celebrations
the smells and the tastes the colors and lights the hopefulness of the children
and even the occasional chaos- and consider how they might bring a gift of
lasting change in your outlook on life that you may not have dreamed possible
before. 1. What would you wish that change to be? 2. Now imagine receiving that change as a surprise that springs up within you
- see yourself as the wide-eyed child unwrapping something that they are sure to
love. Why would this change be such a welcome gift? 3. What change of heart or attitude might start to bring about this change in
your life? Please do not make a "to do" list or strategic plan, but
just reflect on where and how the change might begin. We invite you to share your joys and concerns since our last meeting
Story for All Ages: (the children go to Religious Education at the end of the story and the adults sing "Spitit of Life" )
# 123 (STLT)
"Spirit of Life" by Carolyn McDade (adapted)
Spirit of Life, come unto us,
Sing in our hearts all the stirrings of compassion.
Blow in the wind, rise in the sea;
Move in our hands, giving life the shape of justice.
Roots hold us close; wings set us free;
Spirit of Life, come to us, come to me.
In the quietness of this place and in the Spirit of this Community in which we share and find strength let us pray. Prayer cannot bring water to parched land, not stop a roaring flood, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city, but prayer can water an arid soul, change the tide toward,
righteousness mend a broken heart and rebuild a weaken will.
*Closing circle of hands: (unison)
In the busy holiday season, let us remember the true gifts of the spirit. Let us feel the blessing of community and the sweet expectation of good things to come. And now we extinguish our chalice but not the light of hope: hope for change that brings new blessings into our lives and the lives of those around us.
*Hymn: Go now in Peace
Go now in Peace, Go now in Peace,
May the Love of God surround you
Everywhere, everywhere, You may go