Monday, December 8, 2008

Dear God,

This morning I walked down the darkened hallway into the uncommon room. My Christmas tree sat in the corner by the window waiting. As I turned on the overhead lights to see, I took hold of my first string of lights and began stringing them at the bottom of the tree. I've never done that before. I always start at the top. Not today.

Plugged into the socket I could see how the lights looked as I played with the branches. Up, up I went until I got to the very top. I wrapped the middle branch at the top with the extra lights. Then I draped the strings of red beads. So beautiful sitting next to the tiny white lights.

And then I did my favorite part. I chose the angel to sit atop the tree. This year she would be the gold one. With her wings open, rising up just behind her head, with her arms opened wide and the palms of her hands reaching outward, I leaned into the tree and placed her on the middle branch. But then as I gazed upon her, I got an idea. I plucked her off the tree, pulled the extra lights out and then set her back. There was just the right amount of lights to adorn the angel. And now a light rests at the hem of her robe, in each hand and just to the right of her face in front of the wing. I climbed down and turned out all the lights except for the mantle and the tree. My angel has never been more beautiful. She is the angel of light this season. She will offer light to all who gather in my home. She will impart a sense of calming peace to those interested in receiving the gift. She is more than a golden resin angel.

Oh Lord,
while Mary labors
once again
giving birth
to the Christ,
so is
my spirit ripening
as I prepare
my own heart
and soul
for your coming.
I await
the secrets
the angel
will whisper
this season.

Loving you, Andrea