Saturday, December 3, 2011

Dear God,

At first I was distracted, not even sure I could enter into the candlelight season of singing at St. Luke's. I was too hot and too worn out. On the back row to the side where I sat there were restless children in front and beside me. But suddenly like the multitude of angels that appeared to the shepherds, I was like a child drawn into wonder and awe. Tears welled and spilled from my eyes as the sounds and scenes of Christ's birth came alive.

The orchestra, singers, children and adults, the bell ringers and the dancers offered their best as I sat in the sanctuary lighted by candles and strings of white lights. I found myself saying over and over: "It's all for you, Lord; it's all for you." And I meant it.

And then the images came, the poor, the homeless, the lost. I saw their faces lifted, tears forming, joy spreading from ear to ear. I watched as homes of unhappy people, abusive people and their families stopped what they were doing, stunned by the angelic presence. I watched as the whole world joined in the singing. Weapons of every kind were dropped as their hearts were captured by you. Peace enveloped the creation as each man, woman, and child was presented your greatest gift. And I wept, a sob forming in my throat. Could it be? Is it possible?

As the thousand or more of us who gathered for the festivities stood and sang "Joy to the World" together with all the participants, I breathed my prayer of thanksgiving for my own awakening and the joy of a life with you filled with all the possibilities of heaven. Truly we were spreading joy, yours.

Holy God,
full of
power, love, and grace,
this morning
my heart
still overflows
with love
and gratitude.
Truly, I
have seen
a powerful vision
of your
majestic presence
and I
have known
heaven's joy.
Let me
keep on singing
your song,
the song
of hope
and peace
which always
leads to joy.

Love always, Andrea