come awake, come awake
give alert witness to
the heavens smoldering
shepherd men see first
hope’s mysterious arrival
burning glory apprehended so
in a company of jealous angels
breaking celestial branches to sing
to dust grown legs and mouths
and making babies in their likeness
earthen gods helpless as they come
would you come outside to see glory in the skies?
deafen the fear mongers, kill the monsters inside
oh, the atrocities polluting our view!
the bodies bleeding.
the children dying.
the people all watch for hours:
the mortal farce unfolding on the ground and television
could we meet under a star
and grab a coffee or two
to confess our needs and fears and emptiness?
you could be whole and help me get there, too
As you join with your loved ones in celebrating this Season, may you too give witness to the heavens ablaze with the hopeful reality of Christ come. Amidst the clamor of hate and hurt and destruction coursing through society’s veins, be hopeful together with those you love. Hold tight to hope, release anxiousness and trouble, and in doing so, reflect Advent’s glory – a reality greater than what we see when we only look low.
Merry Christmas, friends! May you cause it to be the happiest in your memory.
(image: Birth of a star, licensed by CC 2.0)