Monday, January 6, 2014

Dear God,

Epiphany, the traditional day of remembering the gift of a savior, a most blessed day indeed. Although we celebrated the day in worship yesterday, in my own quiet remembrances today when no one is up but me in the early morning, I give thanks for faith, that wondrous, beautiful awareness of God in human living.  I think of you and confess the relationship as my most favorite blessing in life.

As I sit with the olive wood nativity before me, I can close my eyes and imagine the star, hungry wise persons looking into the dark night sky, the strong desire to follow the star, the anxious journey, and the startling discovery of a holy baby.  As I breathe in the air of animals, I feel compelled to bend down, to kneel, to join the family in rejoicing having just watched the glowing shepherds take their leave singing the angel song.  I can hear the soft murmurs of prayer from a grateful mother and father and I want to pray too in thanksgiving. As the baby stirs the reality of faith is borne again and I drink in the sound knowing when I return I will need faith every day as a reminder of the world's greatest blessing.
'
Thank you
for symbols
of faith.
Thank you
for the one
who carved
our nativity scene,
for his
careful attention
to each piece.
Thank you
for light
that shines upon
the scene.
Thank you
for blessings
I do not deserve
but receive
in deep gratitude.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Forever yours, Andrea