Monday, December 26, 2011

Dear God,

The glory of your presence on Christmas morning is unlike any other day of the year except for Easter.  In the predawn hours I stepped into the darkened living room, plugged in the Christmas tree and mantle lights, and then went into every room and lighted every candle.  I came back into the living room, knelt before my family altar (coffee table), took baby Jesus in the manger from the hidden place, and then put him in the stable with his parents.  Then I picked up the shepherds and sheep, one by  one, and put them to the side and front of the manger.  It was then I heard a voice that seemed to be Mary's say, "come up closer."  As warm tears filled my eyes, I moved the shepherds and all the wise men as close as I could.  And then I sang sweet songs of Christmas.  As I tarried for some time, the oil lamp casting shadows on the back of the stable, your presence filled the room. 

Later when my husband came into the room and turned on the television, I left the kitchen where I was busy preparing Christmas dinner and we sat together watching the Indianapolis Children's Choir sing in concert.  We listened and saw several choirs of children singing the familiar and not so familiar songs of the season.  I took Harold's hand, feeling so blessed by the events of the holiday but more than that I was celebrating the mystical moments of holy joy and peace that only you give.

Wondrous God,
full of
gracious love
and joyous hope,
allow me
the humble privilege
of magnifying
your name
and bringing you
my humble devotion.
Let me
praise you
with the
whole of me.
Permit me
the opportunity
to sing
eternity's song
of salvation.
You have come
into the world
not just
so many
years ago
but also
this morning.
I am blessed.

Love, Andrea