Have you noticed that some folks give the same Christmas presents year after year?  The uncle who always hands you an envelope containing a crisp $20 bill; the insurance agent who presents the annual sampler box of chocolates; the neighbor that loves to deliver her “famous” homemade jelly.  Although there’s no element of surprise, the constancy involved can be very satisfying - especially if you happen to like jelly and chocolate.
 
It’s in that spirit that I offer you a Holiday gift that you may have received from me in years past, because it’s something I never tire of giving - or receiving either, for that matter.  It is the amazing gift of the Precious Present. 
 
The “Present” is literally this moment, which is truly a gift.  And it’s “Precious” because it is priceless, irreplaceable and incredibly valuable.  No amount of money could buy you another one, once it has passed. This Precious Present invites us to be still for a while.  To breathe fully, sit quietly, and drink in the miraculous connection to our deepest selves, each other and all of Life.   To feel the boundless goodness of Spirit flowing to you, through you, from you, as you.  Now….   and now…   and now…
 
Of course, the Precious Present is not really mine to give, because you already own it. All you have to do is remember to pay attention and receive it fully.  And yet, I love the process of “giving” it by reminding you to receive this precious gift of being present, precisely because it helps me remember, too.  Let’s face it.  We all tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Holidaze…  Which is why I’m inviting you to join me for a few minutes of silence by sinking into the Precious Present, right here and now.  
 
Won’t you feel the power of just sitting here comfortably, without doing a single thing other than opening to this moment?  Please don’t worry if you don’t “get it” right away.  There’s no rush, no right way or wrong way to do this.  And if you find yourself getting caught up in a flurry of feelings, fantasies, and memories that’s okay, too.  Just be gentle with yourself.  Remember that you have a very Precious Present waiting for you, right here, right now.  And somehow, you both give and receive it through your willingness to pay attention.  Ahh…
 
It is the Gift that keeps on giving.  To you - and to everyone whose life you touch, including mine!  Thank you so much for sharing it with me and the rest of the Celebration Circle for these few moments… and hopefully, for a long time to come. 
 
With blessings and best wishes for healthy, happy Holidays,

Rudolf