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 This time of year, community meals are running on empty. How will you help? Can you donate time? A cash gift? Go for it. Matthew 5:2-10

Tuesday Is there a neighbor with whom you struggle to get along? Reach out to them. Seek to learn more. John 10:14-16

Wednesday Ever thought about hosting a monthly Bible study in your home or at a coffee shop? (You don’t need a degree to study the Bible.) Start with your own study time. Numbers 6:24-26

Thursday Write a letter (or more than one) to your elected representatives. Share with them your feelings about an issue that matters to you. Matthew 13:44-46

Friday Do you have a special skill? Offer to teach it to another person. Ask them to teach you something new, as well. Nehemiah 8:10-12

Saturday Got a new neighbor? Have you met them yet? What’s holding you back? Help them learn about the neighborhood. Proverbs 20:24

Sunday At last, 2017 is drawing to a close. Spend time reflecting on ways you have grown in Christ in the last 365 days. Give thanks. James 3:17-18


Love has come, a Light in the darkness! Love explodes in the Bethlehem skies! –Ken Bible

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