Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Dearest God,

I hear the music. I smell the sweet scent of Christmas. I see the decorations but where is Christmas? Where is the love that came down at Christmas? Where is the sweet spirit of Jesus? Who is willing to be the light this Christmas? I walk through the stores and wonder.

I went to the store very early this morning. The young woman at the meat counter waited on me but she looked sad. I asked if she was ready for Christmas and she told me she was separated from her husband not by choice. As mother to three children she is trying to hold it all together. I asked her name. I told her I would pray for her. Teresa, Lord, Teresa needs prayer and strength.

As I traveled throughout the store picking up last minute groceries, I almost forgot the muslin. I rang the bell and a grumpy looking woman walked up to help me. She made some comment about the ice and before I knew it she was telling me about an accident she had had while driving on the ice three years earlier. She still hasn't fully recovered from her injuries. She was terrified when she had to drive on it yesterday. The grumpy lady needs your prayers, dear God.

I walked out of the store realizing that I was a bit of Christmas for these women. I was the one carrying the light. Although walking in my own darkness at the moment you asked me to bear the light for them.

Sometimes I lose my way thinking that Christmas will come to me. I fail to remember the joy and privilege of being Christmas to someone else. Not that I am Jesus, a savior, king or messiah. I am not the Light but I am the light. The Light that dwells within me is the light I am to carry to others.

Thank you,
sweet Lord,
for the gift
of bearing
your Light.
Please forgive
my doubt
when at times
my own light
feels the
strong, threatening winds.
Remind me again
that you came
as Light
for all of us.
Your Light
does shine
in the oddest place.
And for that
I am
most grateful.

Love, Andrea