Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Dear God,

Just after dawn on Christmas morning, I looked out my writing room window and saw the statue of St. Francis of Assisi just at the edge of my contemplative garden.  A few years ago I received him as a late birthday present.  Each time I peek into my garden I am reminded of the kindly monk whose whole life was given to the care of others in the 13th century.  His devotion to you, his love for people and nature, and his commitment to service always calls me to a higher life with and in you.

And so Christmas morning as I lighted the candles all around my home, I stepped out into the cold morning carrying a lighted candle that I placed at his feet.  Periodically I gazed outside to watch the flame of your light burning with a love that I felt encircled the globe.

As I write this, I wonder if others lighted a candle for this wondrous saint.  I wonder if their light was an intentional act of peace remembering his ministry was a call to love and peace.  I wonder if every lighted candle carried with it the Light of the World.

Shine, O Christ,
with your
eternal light.
Radiate hope
into this
hopeless world
of selfishness,
greed, corruption,
and darkness.
Let your light
break through
every darkness
and bring
the things
that make
for peace.
Begin with me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea