: By Dion Forster,

Thanks for visiting InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles promoting "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30+ languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.

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Image by Nino Souza Nino

Watch the video version on YouTube.

Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration

December 15-16-17, 2023

The focus for today (and the weekend) is:

I choose to rediscover the "true spirit" of Christmas.

Today's inspiration was written by Dion Forster:

What might you do to rediscover the “true”, or at least the historical “spirit” of Christmas this year (whether you are religious or not)? Here are a few suggestions, based on sociological research.

First, people report far greater “well-being” when experiences of family closeness and helping others were particularly salient. Second, “diminished well-being” is reported where people’s experiences and expectations “focused on the materialistic aspects of the season (spending and receiving)”.

So, whether you are Christian, or have more of a secular spirituality, it may well be wise to engage in the responsible use of money and time, choosing positive consumption practices, while seeking to foster good relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Moreover, pay careful attention to issues such as the gendered division of labour and responsibility by sharing the work and effort of holiday celebrations. In doing so, you just may have a happier Christmas.

CONTINUE READING:
Today's inspiration was adapted from the InnerSelf.com article:
How to Live Up to the True Spirit of Christmas
Written by Dion Forster,.
Read the complete article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas (today and every day)

Comment from Marie: The true spirit of Christmas or Christianity is not something that should be practiced only at Christmas, or only on religious holidays. The spirit of Love and Gratitude is to be put into practice each and every day of the year in every encounter we have and every action we take.

Our focus for today (and the weekend): I choose to rediscover the "true spirit" of Christmas.

Subscribe here to join me for the next installment of "InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration".

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RELATED BOOK: Christ at the Centre

Christ at the Centre: Discovering the Cosmic Christ in the Spirituality of Bede Griffiths
by Dion A Forster PhD.

What is the relationship between Christianity and other religions? What about the relationship between religion and science?This book engages these topics with creativity and insight, offering a fresh approach to mystical, Christ centred, spirituality, as found in the life and work of the Benedictine monk, Bede Griffiths.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.

More books by this author

About The Author

Dion Forster, Full Professor of Ethics and Head of Department, Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, Director of the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology, Stellenbosch University

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Thanks for visiting InnerSelf.com, where there are 20,000+ life-altering articles promoting "New Attitudes and New Possibilities." All articles are translated into 30+ languages. Subscribe to InnerSelf Magazine, published weekly, and Marie T Russell's Daily Inspiration. InnerSelf Magazine has been published since 1985.