Ah, Christmas. The time of year when people decorate their homes with twinkling lights, stress about what socks to buy their uncle, and sip hot cocoa while Michael Bublé emerges like a musical groundhog who senses the snow. It’s also the season when we collectively celebrate a man named Jeshua (Jesus,) or at least, that’s how it all started. Somewhere along the line, though, the man became Jesus the Christ, a full-fledged deity.
But here’s the thing: No choir ever sang when he entered the room. He was a man. A teacher. A guy with sandals and a message so powerful that even 2,000 years later, we’re still talking about him. So, let’s take a moment to dust off the ornaments and unwrap the truth about this holiday: Christmas is really about celebrating the man named Jeshua—not some mystical, unattainable deity. And don’t worry, we’ll keep it light and festive, with a touch of humor—because I promise you, Jeshua had a great sense of humor too. How else could he have dealt with 12 disciples bickering about who was the greatest without rolling his eyes and sighing, “Oy vey, Peter…”? Jeshua the Man: More Relatable Than You Think Let’s start with the basics. Jesus wasn’t born in a palace with gold-plated furniture and angels singing backup vocals. Legend has it H\he was born in a stable (though many scholars whole heartedly disagree.) You know, the kind of place with straw, animals, and that distinct “eau de cow” aroma. Now, let’s be honest: if someone told you the Messiah was going to show up in a barn next to a goat named Clarence, you’d probably say, “Yeah, right.” The birth story was of a humble origin—and that’s kind of the point. He wasn’t here to be untouchable or divine in a way that no one could relate to. He came into this world just like you and me: a human being. And he lived his life like one, too. Think about it. He got tired. He got frustrated. He told stories with punchlines—parables that had more layers than a holiday fruitcake. And the guy knew how to throw a party! You don’t get labeled a “glutton and a wine-drinker” unless you’ve been to a few good shindigs. (For the record, He was neither of those things, but he enjoyed the heck out of weddings and dinners with friends.) Jeshua was a man who loved people deeply, taught with wisdom, and lived his truth without shame. That’s worth celebrating, isn’t it? Christmas Got a Little... Complicated Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t acknowledge the divine. But somewhere between the manger and the mistletoe, people turned Jeshua into something superhuman—an image of a Christ that feels distant, perfect, and sometimes downright intimidating. You see, when we focus on "Jesus the Christ", the deity, we can miss out on what made him so remarkable as a man. He was born into a troubled world full of division, inequality, and strife—sound familiar? Yet he stood up, walked among the people, and taught one revolutionary idea: love one another. That’s not just divine wisdom; that’s real, practical, boots-on-the-ground advice for how to live. Here’s a modern example. If he were walking around today, he’d probably be the guy who buys coffee for a stranger, listens to your troubles without judgment, and gives hugs that make you forget why you were stressed about your uncle’s socks in the first place. That’s Jesus the man—not some ethereal being floating two inches above the ground. A Humorous Take on the Holiday Let’s address the big man in the red suit, shall we? Santa Claus has become the unofficial mascot of Christmas, and I’m pretty sure Jeshua doesn’t mind. After all, Santa’s whole shtick is giving generously, spreading joy, and making kids believe in something magical. If that’s not a Christmas spirit that He can get behind, I don’t know what is. But can you imagine Jeshua at a modern Christmas party? Picture this: Host: “Jesus, can I get you a drink?” Jesus: “Just water, thanks.” (winks) And you know Jeshua would be the guy laughing with the kids, giving quiet words of encouragement to the stressed-out mom, and gently reminding Uncle Larry that, no, he doesn’t need to win every political argument at dinner. Why? Because Jesus the man embodied kindness, humility, and compassion—the very things Christmas is supposed to be about. And none of that requires you to worship him as a divine being. You can simply honor him as a great teacher who knew how to love, live, and laugh. Keeping Jeshua Real This Christmas So, how do we celebrate Christmas while honoring the man instead of the Christ? Simple:
Wrapping It All Up (With a Big Red Bow) Christmas doesn’t have to be about worshiping a far-off deity. It can be about honoring the man who started it all—Jeshua of Nazareth. The teacher. The carpenter. The guy who turned water into wine and reminded us that the greatest commandment is love. So this Christmas, let’s keep it simple. Let’s celebrate the human being who taught us how to live with compassion, laughter, and joy. After all, he’s the reason for the season—and he’s also someone we can actually relate to. Now go ahead, pour yourself some eggnog, hug your family, and remember what Jeshua really stood for: loving one another. Because if he were at your Christmas dinner, he wouldn’t care how fancy the table settings were. He’d care about the love being shared around the table. And maybe… just maybe… he’d bring a little extra wine. ;) Merry Christmas!
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Ah, the present moment. That elusive sliver of time wedged between "what was" and "what’s next." Most of us treat it like a boring relative at a family gathering—ignored, underappreciated, and often left out of the conversation entirely. But what if I told you that this very moment is the secret sauce to a joyful, fulfilling life? That if you unlock the power of now, you’d be on the express train to inner peace, profound clarity, and maybe even better parking spots? (Okay, the last one might seem like a stretch, but hey, I've been doing it for decades.)
Let’s break it down with a little humor, a touch of spiritual wisdom, and just enough self-awareness to make your ego squirm in its seat. The Past: The Highlight Reel That Never Stops Replaying First, let’s address the past. Oh, the good ol’ days—when gas was cheap, knees didn’t crack, and you could remember your neighbor's dog's name. Nostalgia is seductive. It wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket, and suddenly, you’re smiling about that one time you got kicked out of gym class for inventing interpretive dodgeball. But here’s the kicker: the past is done. Kaput. The highlight reel only plays in your head. Living in the past is like trying to eat leftovers you threw out last week—unsatisfying and potentially toxic. Yet, many of us cling to it, whether it’s regrets, grudges, or glory days. Why? Because the past feels familiar, and the familiar feels safe. But here’s the truth: you can’t change it. You can, however, change how you let it define you. Release the past, my friend. It’s like holding a grudge against the weather for raining on your vacation—it’s pointless, and it only ruins your day. The Future: The Land of "What If" Then, there’s the future. The great unknown, where everything feels possible—and also terrifying. It’s like staring into the fridge, hoping something delicious magically appears, only to realize you still need to go grocery shopping. We spend so much time stressing about "what’s next" that we forget to enjoy "what’s now." We craft elaborate plans, obsess over worst-case scenarios, and daydream about what life will be like when we finally have enough money, lose the weight, or find that one sock that disappeared in 1998. Spoiler alert: life is happening while you’re busy trying to solve the mystery of the missing sock. Here’s a spiritual truth wrapped in a comedic bow: the future is just a figment of your imagination. It doesn’t exist yet, and when it does, guess what? It will show up as… the present moment. Wild, huh? Why the Present Is the Best Show in Town Now let’s talk about the star of this blogpost: the present moment. The big, shiny "NOW." It’s the only time you ever actually have. Think about it. You can’t act in the past. You can’t do anything in the future. Every decision, every breath, every moment of joy happens in the now. But here’s the problem: most of us are so busy ruminating on the past or fretting about the future that we miss the now entirely. It’s like being at a concert and spending the whole time recording it on your phone—you miss the music because you’re too busy trying to preserve it for later. The power of now lies in its simplicity. You don’t have to analyze it, fix it, or plan it. All you have to do is experience it. And here’s the kicker: when you fully embrace the present moment, it has this magical way of clarifying everything. The noise quiets down, the drama dissipates, and you’re left with pure, unadulterated clarity. How to Embrace the Now (Without Feeling Like a Zen Cliché) Okay, so how do you actually unlock the power of now? Don’t worry, I won’t tell you to sit cross-legged on a mountain and chant "Om" until enlightenment strikes. (Unless you’re into that—then, by all means, go for it.) Here are some practical, and dare I say humorous, ways to get started: 1. Breathe Like You Mean It Breathing is underrated. Sure, we all do it, but how often do you pay attention to it? Take a deep breath and exhale right now. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Did you feel that? The instant calm? Breathing is like a reset button for your brain. It anchors you in the now faster than you can say "namaste." 2. Stop Multi-Tasking (Your Brain Will Thank You) Multi-tasking is a myth. You’re not a computer, and even computers crash under too many tabs. Focus on one thing at a time. Whether you’re washing dishes, walking the dog, or eating a taco, give it your full attention. You’d be amazed how much joy can come from a single, perfectly crispy taco shell. 3. Laugh at Yourself (Often) Nothing brings you into the present moment like a good laugh—especially if it’s at your own expense. Life is funny, and so are you. Embrace your quirks, your mistakes, and those moments when you trip over your own feet in public. Humor dissolves ego, and ego is the biggest thief of now. 4. Feel All the Feels Joy, sadness, anger, love—whatever emotion comes up, feel it fully. Don’t shove it down or brush it aside. Emotions are like houseguests—they’re easier to deal with when you acknowledge them and let them move on naturally. 5. Gratitude Gratitude is the fast pass to present-moment bliss. Take a minute each day to appreciate what you have, right now. Your comfy chair, your favorite coffee mug, the fact that you’ve made it this far in the essay—whatever it is, soak it in. The Rewards of Living in the Now When you unlock the power of now, life transforms. Colors seem brighter, food tastes better, and even Mondays feel less menacing. You become more present in your relationships, more focused in your work, and more content with yourself. The best part? You realize that joy isn’t something you have to chase—it’s right here, waiting for you in the present moment. Clarity isn’t something you have to find—it arises naturally when you stop muddying the waters with past regrets and future anxieties. Living in the now doesn’t mean you ignore the past or neglect the future. It means you put them in their proper place—as tools for learning and planning, not sources of suffering. One Final Thought (And a Little Nudge) Here’s the irony: reading this blogpost is technically a future-focused activity. You’re looking for insights to use later. But don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you. Just promise me this—when you’re done, put your phone down, close your eyes, and take one deep, delicious breath. Feel the now. Savor it. And then go live it. Because this moment—yes, this one right here—is where all the magic happens. |
AuthorJohn Davis, also known as John of New, is dedicated to empowering individuals to live a joyful, love-centered life. Archives
January 2025
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The mission of my work is to create a more loving world, more loving people, and to continue sharing the teachings that I learned from the past life memories with Jeshua. If you find this valuable and would like to help me continue doing this work, Purchasing a private session, ordering a meditation or digital download course, and even donations are gratefully accepted. Love to you.---John