December 23, 2020
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

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Dear Friends,
A diversion from our Psalms for today… 
Praying with this verse from today’s first reading,
a reflection rose in my spirit that I would like to share with you all.
None of us ever again wants a Christmas like this.
But pause to want this one enough to receive its blessings.

And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek.

I hear the soft rumble, like thunder, 
of Christmas approaching 
– struck by the awareness 
that we have never shared 
a Christmas 
such as this.

Oh Beloveds, in our fear, frustration, 
loneliness and loss,
let us not lose this moment
when Christ comes to us 
as Christ has never come before.

Out of the darkness,
out of loss,
out of separation,
out of helplessness,
out of pandemic
still Christ comes…

with a message
maybe lost in former, 
more comfortable years…
carried to us, now,
on a “star” not seen in 800 years.

The message?

Always,
I am Love.
I am Life.
I  am Wholeness.
I am Forever.
And I am Emmanuel
God-With-You.

Fear Not.
I shine.
And I will lead you 
to my heart.

But you must seek me
in the secret 
of this unparalleled time.

There is a most vulnerable place
in your depth.
These times have laid it bare.

Invite me there.
Seek me there.

It is the temple
where I want to come to you
this Christmas.

Poetry: The Coming of Light – Mark Strand

The Coming of Light
Even this late it happens:
the coming of love, the coming of light.
You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves,
stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows,
sending up warm bouquets of air.
Even this late the bones of the body shine
and tomorrow’s dust flares into breath.

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Music: Seek the Lord – Roc O’Connor