No commentary today. This one speaks for itself.
From the Dalai Lama's official website: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in the Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two the child, who was named Lhamo Dhondup at that time was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.
As Christmas has drawn steadily nearer, I have found myself, somewhat to my own surprise, honestly excited for the coming holiday. My surprise stems from the fact that I have not identified as Christian for a couple years now, and with no traveling to do or small children to plan for, I fully expected that Christmas would pass more or less like any of the more minor holidays, save for the inescapable music. Yet the closer the day in question, the more I have found myself anticipating it. Never mind that I knew I would be working through the holiday, or that I would be unable to do much in the way of gift-giving - somehow the approach of Christmas filled me with a child-like joy I have not experienced since leaving home.
Earlier this month, I saw Rise of the Guardians in theaters. While not a Christmas movie, it does have Santa Claus in a major supporting role. In one of my favorite scenes, Santa explains that at his core, his purpose is to bring wonder into the world: Seeing the world with new eyes; giving a fresh look to the possibilities and magic contained in everything around us. This, I think, is what I have been feeling since Thanksgiving: a renewed sense of wonder. I still do not understand why, but frankly, I don't think it really matters.
Merry Christmas everyone. Have a wonderful holiday, in every sense of the word.
Lots of Love,
~Jennifer
P.S. If you haven't yet, I really encourage you to see Rise of the Guardians before it leaves theaters. Here, have a trailer:
