Monday, December 21, 2020

Dearest God,

I am like a little child looking forward to Christmas but not in the same way.  I am wrapped in Christmas right now, the spirit of love and giving, of hope and tentative peace and of possibility and mystery.  It's all sacred space whether I listen to Christmas music, take food to the local food pantry, read a Christmas novel, watch a Christmas movie, pray for front line workers and all who are afraid or sit in my overstuffed chair beside the tree watching the lights twinkle and the ornaments dance at the slightest chance of air moving.  I couldn't be any closer to  heaven or the North Pole.

This holy time is so special, so filled with awe and wonder.  Even in the midst of a chaotic year, losses, division, disease, separation, anxiety and fear, yet, even still...there is room for Christmas.  As I listened to Christmas music, you wooed me inside the tunes and lyrics to dwell with loved ones who sang with me more than 20 years ago.  Funny how memory can open its doors allowing us in for a treasured time of warmth, beauty, love, joy and faith.

I feel like I am in the middle of Christmas but lost knowing how to help others whose suffering and pain is so deep and wide.

O God,

lover of all your children,

lead us

to each other.

Help us

take the spirit

and wonder

and mystery

of Christmas

to others

who hurt

so much.

Help us heal

one another.

Love, Andrea