Christmas: Little Child, O Little Child

Little Child

O Little Child

born this day

becoming one of us

showing us love’s way.

Little Child

O Little Child 

shepherds gather near

in you they know

there is nothing to fear.

Little Child

O Little Child

angels sing your praise

our hearts are stirred

as with them our voices raise.

Little Child

O Little Child

creation repeats this joy

born for us, born for all

you, Mary’s little boy.

Little Child

O Little Child

Joseph gently guarding you

inviting those who seek

to witness love a new.

Little Child

O Little Child

animals give you a home

they seem to know

that with you we are not alone.

Little Child

O Little Child

wise ones arrive with gifts

adoring you, worshipping you

God present in their midst.

Little Child

O Little Child

I too draw to your side

I kneel now at your manger

giving all I hold inside.

Little Child

O Little Child

you are now here

I rejoice in this gift

for you I love so dear.

Little Child

O Little Child

you are the way

you are truth and life

be born in me today.

Little Child

O little Child

Jesus born this day

you are one of us, with us 

beyond this Christmas day.

St. Francis of Assisi was so in awe of the Christ Child that when he spoke of the Babe from Bethlehem his voice sounded like a bleating sheep and tasted like sweet honey. May our voices be filled with warmth and delight this Christmas Season. 

As we draw near the stable, let us be mindful of the simplicity of it. As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, let us be mindful that he calls us to simplicity so that we may all enjoy the gift of his birth and God present in all of creation. 

As we linger at his manger, let us be aware of those who have nothing and simply seek the warmth of humanity. Let us be aware that the Christ Child and his parents were refugees and migrants seeking shelter and that at this time there are thousands of our brothers and sisters in the same situation.

As we gaze upon the Holy Family, let us be conscious of those who have no family and those who are alone. Let us be conscious that the newborn Child calls us to make room for one more at our tables, in our churches, in our gatherings. 

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us be attentive that several people will not be able to do so because of suffering, hurts, natural disasters and violence. Let us be attentive to their needs and at the very least offer prayers in this holy season for these our brothers and sisters.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us give thanks and praise to God for all that we have and all the good and generous gifts we have received. Let us give thanks and praise that our God is with us today and always.

Merry Christmas 

may the blessings of this season be abundant 

and lead you to walk into 2020 with renewed vision and hope.

Thank you for including my blog in your daily living of the gospel. 
Peace and all good.

Blogs will continue again in the new year.

Artwork by: Yevgenia Petrenko, ofs - Ukraine

Advent IV

Hope and promise

in the wings of an angel

in the whisper of the message

in the yes of the young women.

Hope and promise

in the dreams of night

in the wisdom of the angel

in the yes of the young man.

Hope and promise

in the trust embodied

in the strength for the journey

in the yes of the young couple.

Hope and promise

in the journey to Bethlehem

in the stable as a shelter

in the yes even in the unknown.

Hope and promise

in the stable of long ago

in the message for us today

in the yes to bear Christ.

Hope and promise

in my carrying of this hope

in my living of this promise

in my yes which I give.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

the time is drawing near!

Advent Journey III

Advent days

where are you going?

You are slipping away

so very quickly.

The days are full,

they pull at me

to be busy,

so as not to go with purpose.

Advent days:

preparations and contemplation,

quiet and demands,

the tensions which hold this season.

Carols begin to fill my ears,

twinkling lights begin to appear,

cookies here and cakes too,

all so good but must having meaning.

Advent days

you awaken me

to stirrings in my heart

help me to listen.

The gifts of the season

the special treats and surprises

what do they say to me?

Do they lead me to the true gift?

Advent days

your message is prepare,

transform the way,

be ready for the child King comes to us.

Your days are now over half gone

yet I still have days to walk in you,

to grasp moments,

to ponder, to pray, to be.

Advent days

even in the busy

you find ways to whisper to me

about peace, hope, joy and love.

Settle into me O peace,

anchor me O hope,

guide my actions O joy

live through me O love…

in these few remaining Advent days and beyond.

Rejoice! Rejoice! 

Emmanuel is drawing near!

- inspired by the reality of a full schedule,

and finding time for Advent reflections.

Advent Journey II

Advent you are filled with

rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness.

Rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness

which awakens me,

calls me to who I am

and the light dawning within.

Prophets, seers, sages,

challenge me to see

the light I carry

and how I let it shine.

Darkness which enfolds me,

gently slows me down,

awakening me to truths

and wisdom needed.

Wise women and brave men

walk with me on this journey,

whispering to me their stories,

which are part of my own.

The darkness of this season

envelops around me like a gentle blanket

not laden with fear or worry

rather with hope, like a child in the womb.

Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist

declare what is coming

and what has already come;

I must take up what they have heralded.

Darkness creates a masterpiece,

my eyes adjusting to new ways

of seeing into my heart

and the stirring hope which enlightens it.

Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph

bravely walk to the tune of love

embracing your gifts, deciding to go with trust,

I too must do the same this season and life journey.

Darkness calms my busyness,

dances around my false dreams

calls me to listen, to listen deeply

to you, O God, you with us.

Advent your gifts are

rich and interesting characters

and inviting winter darkness,

reminding me I am not alone,

telling me to raise up my head

for new light is dawning

and I too have my part

in preparing the way.

Come O Come Emmanuel, 

be born in us again.

- inspired by the darkness to dawn of a winter morning prayer time and

the readings of the First Week of Advent.