Spiritual Portal Days: Christmas Eve and the Heart of Jesus
By: Dr. Anna Biela 24.12.2024 Wrocław 11:02
There’s something special about Christmas Eve. It’s not just the celebrations or traditions—it feels like a moment when the world slows down and something deeper comes alive. For me, this time of year is also about reconnecting with my work as an artist, especially the pieces that carry a spiritual meaning.
Right now, the view room features a portrait of Jesus I painted back in 2018, during a really transformative time in my life in Munich. That painting has been on its own journey—I turned it into a mural in Bethlehem and later made a print so more people could experience the energy I tried to capture in it. Having it on display now feels fitting. Christmas Eve is, after all, about light, connection, and the kind of love that can flow into everything we create.
Collective Energy on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of those rare moments when the energy of the world shifts. So many people focus on hope, generosity, and love all at once, and you can feel it. Maybe you’ve noticed it, like a sense of stillness or warmth that’s different from any other time of year.
That shared energy creates what some people call a spiritual portal—a moment when the divine feels closer. That’s exactly what I wanted to bring into my painting of Jesus: His light as a reminder that love and generosity aren’t just seasonal, they’re ways to connect with something bigger than ourselves.
Jesus and the Thinning Veil
Some spiritual traditions say December 24-25 is a time when the veil between worlds is thinner, making it easier to feel the presence of something greater. Whether it’s intuition, moments of inspiration, or just a sense of peace, this is a time when the spiritual and physical seem to overlap.
That idea is reflected in the Christmas story itself—angels appearing, a guiding star, and the miraculous birth. Jesus’ arrival was like a bridge between heaven and earth, a moment when the divine stepped into our world. It’s the same energy I tried to honor in my painting.
Opening Your Own Portal
What I love about Christmas Eve is how it invites us to slow down and open our hearts. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is within us, and this is the perfect time to let that sink in. It’s like our hearts become doors, ready to let the light in.
Here’s how I like to reflect during this time:
• Take a quiet moment, even if it’s just a few minutes, to breathe and focus on love.
• Do something kind for someone else—it’s amazing how generosity lifts your spirit.
• Be present, whether with others or on your own, and let yourself really feel the moment.
• Notice small connections, like a smile or a glance. Sometimes those brief moments carry the most energy.
Reflecting on the Season
When I think about the mural I painted in Bethlehem, it reminds me how art can be a way to hold space for something greater. Jesus, for me, isn’t just a historical figure—He’s a living reminder of what it means to bring light and love into the world.
So, as you go through your Christmas Eve, whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or enjoying a moment of solitude, let it be a time to open your heart. Let this season remind you of the love that connects us all, and the divine light we each carry.
And if you visit the view room, you’ll see that same light reflected in the portrait of Jesus. I hope it serves as a reminder of the beauty and connection this season brings.
