The Heart of Christmas
By Rev. Jim Blake
Every Christmas season is a sacred invitation. Beneath the sparkle of lights, our favorite holiday tunes, and the Hallmark movies rests a deeper truth—a celebration of the Christ presence born in Bethlehem long ago and born, again and again, in each of us.
This is the heart of Christmas: the awakening of our Christ consciousness, the divine love that lives within.
A Spiritual Blueprint
The story of Jesus’ birth offers a spiritual blueprint for our lives. The Christ child came into the world as light in darkness, peace in unrest, hope in times of trouble. This same light, peace, and hope are born within us each time we open our hearts to divine love. Every moment we choose compassion over criticism or a kind word over apathy, we are giving birth to Christ in the world once more.
Christ consciousness is not confined to one holy night; it is the eternal presence whispering in our souls. It is the still, small voice that calls us to love more deeply, to see with spiritual eyes, and to act from the truth that we are all one in God. At Christmas, this voice speaks more clearly, inviting us to pause and remember who we truly are—expressions of divine love.
Divine Love
We often speak of divine love as an outward expression, but nothing is more sacred than a deep, abiding love for ourselves. Our spiritual identity as the Christ presence is our ultimate gift to the world. As we give and receive gifts, may we remember the greatest gift is not wrapped in paper but in presence. A smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of true listening, an act of selfless generosity—these are gifts that reflect the Christ nature alive within us. They remind us that love is not just something we feel but something we are.
In this holy season, let us each make room for the Christ to be born anew. May we create space for the wonder and majesty of this time of year, for grace and gratitude, and the miracles large and small that accompany the season. The birth of Christ consciousness in us is a lifelong unfolding—a daily yes to love, to light, and to our own unique, inner expression of them.
This Christmas, let love lead the way. Let it guide your words, soften your heart, and lift your spirit. Let it be the reason you forgive, the force behind your giving, and the source of your joy for just being you. When we live from this place of divine love, we are the miracle. We are Christmas in expression.
A version of this article appeared in the Unity booklet, With Love at Christmas: Advent 2025.
About the Author
Jim Blake became CEO of Unity World Headquarters in 2016 after more than 20 years of executive leadership experience with some of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in North America. He is the author of The Zen Executive: Gems of Wisdom for Enlightened Leadership, winner of the 2023 Nautilus Book Award in business and leadership. Jim has a Master of Divinity and was ordained a Unity minister in 2021. Visit iamjimblake.com.