Mark Sturdevant Mark Sturdevant

Minister’s Musings Dec. 17

In the biblical Christmas story, humility is the quiet thread that weaves together heaven and earth. The Christ—the Divine within—is not born in a palace, but in a stable; the announcement is not made first to kings, but to shepherds; the holy arrives not with fanfare, but in simplicity. This sacred story reminds us that the energy of Divine Love does not require grand displays to be present—it out pictures itself most powerfully through openness, trust, and a willingness to receive. Humility, then, is not thinking less of ourselves, but gently releasing the ego’s need to control so that Spirit may lead.

At Christmas, we are invited to practice this same humility in our own lives by softening our hearts, listening more deeply, and allowing love to be born anew within us. When we choose humility, we make room for peace, compassion, and joy to arise naturally, just as the timeless story of the manger teaches us.

Affirmation: “I humbly open my heart to the Christ within, allowing divine love to be born and expressed through me.”

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Mark Sturdevant Mark Sturdevant

Minister’s Musings: Dec. 3

During the holiday season, when schedules fill and emotions run high, it’s easy to slip into stress, worry, or frustration without even noticing. True peace begins when we become aware of our inner state - when we can pause long enough to say, “Oh, my vibration is low right now.” That awareness alone is a spiritual victory. It invites us to step out of reactivity and back into our divine center, where peace is not something to chase but something we already are.

Raising our vibration is a practice of returning to Truth: taking a deep conscious breath, speaking a word of gratitude, choosing compassion, or simply sitting in stillness to remember God’s presence. Each mindful shift, no matter how small, lifts us into the peace that surpasses understanding. As we navigate this busy season, may we choose peace from the inside out, again and again.

Affirmation: I am a radiant center of peace. Wherever I go, I bring the calm presence of God.

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