The true message of renewal and the legacy of Jesus according to Chico Xavier and Marlene Nobre

Christmas is approaching, and with it the traditional atmosphere of lights, colors, hearty suppers and the exchange of gifts. For many, it's a time for reunions and family celebrations. But beyond the ephemeral glow of consumption and the superficiality of certain rites, what is the true essence of this date? For the Spiritist Doctrine, Christmas goes far beyond the simple commemoration of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It is a perennial invitation to inner renewal, a milestone for the birth of Christ in our hearts, This is an opportunity to reflect on the Master's most profound teachings and their application in our lives.

In this article, Folha Espírita invites you to unravel the meaning of Christmas in Spiritism, delving into the perspectives of two great figures who have illuminated the understanding of spirituality in our time: Chico Xavier and Dr. Marlene Nobre. Get ready for a journey that will transform the way you experience this special time of year.

Christ's real birthday: reuniting with the principles of love and charity

For Spiritism, Jesus is not just a historical figure born 2,000 years ago; he is the Spiritual Governor of the Earth, the purest Spirit ever to incarnate among us, whose example and teachings are the sure roadmap for our own evolution. O Christmas, Therefore, the focus is not only on the chronological date of his birth, but on the permanence of His message of unconditional love, forgiveness, charity and fraternity.

This understanding moves us away from the anthropocentric vision of a God who manifests himself in a punctual way and towards an understanding that divinity is continually revealed through the divine laws inscribed in our consciousness. Christmas is the time to rekindle this flame, to allow Christian principles, in their original purity, to manifest themselves in our actions and feelings.

Chico Xavier and the eternal message of love and service at Christmas

Chico Xavier, the best-known Brazilian medium, with his life dedicated to service and charity, always emphasized that Christmas is, above all, an invitation to inner renewal. In his messages, received through the medium or in his own words, he constantly reminded us that the real Christmas happens when:

1️⃣ We are born for good: We abandon old habits and addictions, making room for the practice of good.

2️⃣ We cultivate love for others: We expand our capacity to love and serve by reaching out to those in need.

3️⃣ We practice forgiveness: We free our hearts of hurt and resentment, building bridges of understanding.

For Chico, Christmas is a dive into the Gospel of Jesus. It's not enough to turn on lights; we need to turn on the light of hope and charity in our own hearts and in the hearts of those around us. He reminded us of the importance of sincere prayer, of reflecting on the year that is ending and of proposing improvements for the one that is beginning. The real celebration is that of Christ in us, transforming us into instruments of his peace and love.

Dr. Marlene Nobre: science, spirituality and the birth of the inner Christ

Dr. Marlene Nobre, a doctor, pioneer in the field of medicine and spirituality and founder of the Medical-Spiritist Association of Brazil (AME-Brasil), brought a perspective that combined scientific rigor with a deep spiritual experience. For her meaning of Christmas was not an isolated event, but a continuous process of the birth of the inner Christ.

In her lectures and writings, Marlene Nobre stressed that Jesus, the model and guide of humanity, came to teach us to love and serve, and that science is increasingly pointing to the interconnection between mind, body and spirit. Thus, the birth of Jesus is a symbol of the divine potentiality that resides in each one of us.

1️⃣ Integral health: To celebrate Christmas is to seek integral health - not just of the physical body, but of the soul. It means welcoming the peace, serenity and harmony that the Gospel proposes to us, which directly affects our well-being.

2️⃣ The commitment to life: Dr. Marlene Nobre, through her life dedicated to scientific and spiritist dissemination, exemplified the commitment to life in all its manifestations, echoing the message of universal fraternity that Christmas invites us to experience. The birth of Jesus should inspire us to be agents of transformation, promoting ethics, compassion and respect in all our relationships.

From this perspective, Christmas is a call to self-responsibility. It's a chance to become more like Jesus, in thought, word and deed, living unconditional love in everyday life.

How to celebrate Christmas: reflection, charity and renewal

Far from banning festivities, Christmas in the light of Spiritism invites us to give them a new meaning. Some practices can enrich your celebration:

1️⃣ Moment of reflection: Before supper, take a moment to pray as a family. Give thanks for the lessons of the year, forgive the mistakes and envision a future of peace and learning.

2️⃣ Practice charity: Remember the teachings of Chico Xavier. Christmas is the ideal time to reach out. Donate your time, your affection, help those in need. The real gift is the exchange of love.

3️⃣ Renewal of purpose: May the birth of Jesus inspire the birth of a “new you”. Make resolutions to improve yourself, to be more patient, to understand more, to study and practice the Gospel more.

4️⃣ Universal fraternity: Recognize the Christ in every being. Include all peoples and nations in your prayers and thoughts, praying for world peace and harmony between beings.

The eternal invitation to the Light

Christmas is therefore a date of profound importance within the Spiritist Doctrine, an annual reminder of the greatest example of love humanity has ever known. May the light of Jesus illuminate your hearts and homes, and may the message of spiritual renewal and charity echo in each of us, transforming “Merry Christmas” into a true “Birth of the Christ Within”.