Revelation 2:17
Over 2,000 years ago, when the Apostles Peter, James, and Paul created the first Christian communities, the Roman Empire controlled most of the land where these small faith communities sprung up. Consequently, they were greatly influenced by Roman law, culture, and tradition.
Now, in Rome, when someone was released from prison, that person was given a White Stone. That was ALL you got – no papers, no digital printouts. You got a simple White Stone and that White Stone signified that you had been released. All things in your past were forgotten! You were free to start a new life.
When the Biblical book of Revelation was written, the author knew that everyone who read his work would understand the symbolism of the White Stone. The words that Martha read earlier as our first Scripture lesson may not – at first glance – mean much to us, but ancient readers and listeners would have clearly understood those words:
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone…I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
For early Christians interpreting those verses, the White Stone signified that you were free to be whom God had called you to be. By taking on a new name, you took on a new identity – Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Saul became Paul. And so it is for us as well. Your white stone signifies that you are free to be all that God wants you to be – no limits!
So much for the history of White Stones. Now, I am going to give you a pencil to go with your white stone.
PASS OUT PENCILS
The old year has passed, and if we have not done so already, we need to consciously give to God all those things that do not serve us anymore…all those things based in fear.
Why? Listen to this quote from John Selby’s book, Seven Masters, One Path:
“We cannot hold one thing tightly in our grasp, and at the same time reach out and take something new. We must let go and put aside what we are grasping in order to be able to receive something that we want or need much more. All spiritual and psychological growth requires a letting go of a limited belief in order to open up and receive a more expansive belief.”
And so, before we go any further, I invite you to take a moment to release whatever you hold too tightly in your grasp by saying these words to yourself silently after me…
I let go and I let God. I am ready to have my beliefs and attitudes changed, so my life can be transformed.
Therefore, I forgive myself for all mistakes I have made. I also forgive and release everyone who may have harmed me in any way.
Now we are ready to fill our lives and thoughts with things that do serve us –things based in love. And we will begin to do that using the White Stone you are holding in your hand.
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone…I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
Now, let’s get real. God is not going to suddenly reach down from above and etch some word on your stone as it sits in your hand. However, that word or new name might just come to us if we simply listen, if we begin to let go of our limiting beliefs and thoughts. Only then can we really listen to what the Spirit is saying.
When that new name or word is written on your stone, it will remind you that your life will be changed because of your new intentions and your new thoughts and beliefs. In that stone is the potential for a shift in your consciousness.
You see, we can dramatically change and reshape our lives by what we call ourselves, what we believe about ourselves. If you believe you are spiteful, you will be spiteful. If you call yourself loving, you will be loving.
In a moment, we are going to take some time to allow the Spirit to give us….what?
· a new name,
· a new thought
· a new idea,
· a symbol,
· a theme, for this coming year.
Our scripture lesson from Revelation says that this name, this word is known only to the one who receives it. This is between you and God. No one else can be your thoughts. No one else can interfere.
Now I invite you to hold the stone in your hands as we prepare to enter a time of silence and meditation. See the stone as a symbol of your new life. See it as a symbol of who you have become, or of who you are becoming, or of who you would like to become. From now one, anytime you look at your white stone, you will realize that you have the gift of choice; the gift to live differently, to live a more fulfilling life, to begin again, to connect with God and co-create with God.
Holding your stone, get comfortable, close your eyes, and breathe. Try to become relaxed and resting. Know that you are safe and secure here. You are loved and supported by the presence of God. Be still so that the Spirit can express herself through you and as you.
Listen for what the Spirit is telling you to write on your white stone. What are you hearing or feeling or knowing? What are your intentions? What is it that the Spirit will write?
Simply ask. Ask what would be the most helpful name, or what would be the most helpful word for you to take into this New Year?
If the word doesn’t make sense to you, just stay with it. God says, “I will reveal everything in its time.” Stay with it.
And when you get your word….just simply say – “Thank You. I accept.”
If no word comes through to you, just say “Thank You, God. I stay open and receptive.” Because it will come right through – trust in the Spirit.
“Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and you shall find.”
Now, as we go into the silence to truly listen, go with this affirmation on your lips:
O God, my heart is open to receiving your healing help or wisdom or peace – whatever you wish to affirm in me.
Silence
Slowly bring your attention back to the present and to this place. And when you are ready, write on your white stone your new name or your new intention for this new year. Or simply hold the stone, knowing that the word or name will come later on.
Pause
As you hold your white stone from the Holy Land, know that it is a very personal word or important name that you have written (or will write) on your stone, and it will also be written on your heart.
In closing then, repeat this affirmation silently after me…
This word, this quality, this name shall be my bridge into the new year. It shall be my bridge into the new year. And so it shall be.
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