Sharon's Christmas Prayer


She was five,
sure of the facts,
and recited them
with slow solemnity
convinced every word
was revelation.

She said
they were so poor
they had only peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches to eat
and they went a long way from home
without getting lost. The lady rode
a donkey, the man walked, and the baby
was inside the lady.

They had to stay in a stable
with an ox and an ass (hee-hee)
but the Three Rich Men found them
because a star lited the roof
Shepherds came and you could
pet the sheep but not feed them.
Then the baby was borned.
And do you know who he was?
Her quarter eyes inflated
to silver dollars.
The baby was God.

And she jumped in the air
whirled round, dove into the sofa
and buried her head under the cushion
which is the only proper response
to the Good News of the Incarnation.
--John Shea, “The Hour of the Unexpected”


Monday Rest and reflect on the best Christmas you remember as a child. What made it special for you? Share your story with a friend. Proverbs 20:24

Tuesday Is there someone you know whose simple presence is calming? Pause; think about what they’ve got that you want, and give thanks. Numbers 6:24-26

Wednesday Set aside some time today, amidst the “orchestrated chaos” that continues after Christmas, to be still. Reflect on a simple way you can carry the Light of the Christ Child forward into tomorrow . . . and the next day. . . . Nehemiah 8:10-12

Thursday Today marks Watchnight in the United Methodist tradition, as well as in the United States, marking the official end to slavery in 1862. What holds you in figurative chains of slavery? Is this a good thing? Matthew 5:2-10

Friday Today, try to pray for someone you have never met. Ask God to open your eyes to the need around you. When you’ve prayed—move your feet. John 10:14-16

Saturday In praying for yourself today, affirm yourself as a beloved Child of the Divine. Silence the critics in the world (and in your mind) and rest in God’s perfect peace. Matthew 13:44-46

Sunday Today marks Epiphany Sunday in the church year, the day when we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men in their quest of the Christ. Let your imagination rest in this visit. James 3:17-18

Anything can make me stop and look and wonder, and sometimes learn. –Kurt Vonnegut

Image result for child nativity


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