Here We Have Found Christmas
Elizabeth MacDonald of Seaside, OR, USA
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
Peace on earth hardly seems a possibility
When violence erupts in every corner,
When hatred is heard in the report of a gun,
And sorrow and pain are reflected in the eyes of children.
We frantically make plans for Christmas to come-
We bake, shop, wrap, trim the tree, sing, and party.
Yet Christmas eludes us and seems more distant.
A hunger arises in our souls and we search to make it whole.
We catch the echo of music from above us
And pause to listen to the ever-swelling strain.
Our voices begin to join the chorus born of stardust,
And we hurry with tired feet to find a sacred place.
We enter a stable, where cows and donkeys abide.
A place where a baby’s cry comes from a bed of straw.
Moving closer to get a better view of one so small
We kneel to touch tiny fingers and murmur a quiet lullaby.
And suddenly we know…we know…we know!
Here is the peace we seek for troubled times;
Here is healing for every wound in our lives;
Here is love and light that confronts darkness and hatred.
Here we have found Christmas…
Here where God meets us in the ordinary
And touches us gently like we are newborn babies.
Here we have found Christmas, a holy place in our hearts.
NOEL, NOEL!
Prayer Phrase
“Trust what is being born” (Stephen M. Veazey, Words of Counsel, 2019).
Spiritual Practice
Deepen your breathing as you enter a few moments of silent presence to God. Pay attention first to your own life as you gently ask and notice, “What is most alive in me right now? What is being born in me?” After a few moments of silent listening, ask these questions of your community, the church, and the world. Notice how the Spirit is revealing new life and possibility as you prayerfully ask these questions over time.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
