By Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem

Who among us does not have dreams
That this year will be different?
Who among us does not intend to go
Peacefully, leisurely, carefully
toward Bethlehem,
For who among us likes to cope with the
Commercialism of Christmas
Which lures us to tinsel not only the tree
But also our hearts?
Who among us intends to get caught up
in tearing around
And wearing down?
Who among us does not long for:
Gifts that give love
Shopping in serenity
Cards and presents sent off early?
Long evenings by the fireside with those
we love? (the trimming devoid of any arguing about who’s going to hang what where,
The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the pine scent of the tree
And carols gently playing over our
idyllic scene)
And the children! The children cheerfully talking about
Giving instead of getting?
Who among us does not yearn for
Time for our hearts to ponder the
Word of God?
Moments of kneeling and bursts of song?
The peace of quiet calm for our
spirit’s journey?
This year we intend to follow the Star
Instead of the crowd.
But of course, we always do
Intend the best.
(And sometimes best intentions tend to get the better of us!)
This year, when we find ourselves off the path again
(And we invariably will!),
Let’s not add yet another stress to our
Advent days,
That of “trying to do Christmas correctly”!
Instead let’s approach the birth of our Lord
With joyful abandon!
And this year
Let’s do what Mary did and rejoice in God,
Let’s do what Joseph did and listen to
our dreams,
Let’s do what the Wise Men did and go
to worship
Let’s do what the shepherds did and praise and glorify God
For all we’ve seen and heard!
As for the Advent frantic pace, we don’t have
time for that.
We’ll be too busy singing!
This year will be different

Artwork: Magnify
Hannah Garrity - Acrylic painting with mixed media on canva