I do my best not to follow a philosophy which extends the "Christmas season" from November 1 until 11:59 on December 24, when the last gift might be purchased .... and which discards Christmas like a soiled diaper as soon as the clock shows 12:00:00 on December 26. No, my heart would much rather follow something that reminds us that Christmas is more than one mere day but an outlook for all year, for all life. I also don't get all huffy when people say "Happy Holidays" because I'm smart enough to realize that Christmas is one winter celebration among many. All of them speak to the light coming in the darkness and getting stronger and brighter even in the darkest coldest moments.
This poem was given to me last year by a dear friend, and it resonated with me ..... and I share it with you in the last days of this season of celebration of light and life and love. It is from a Christian viewpoint, but I think any faith or philosophy can appreciate the sentiment contained therein.
I will seek no longer for the burning bush;
All bushes are ablaze.
And I will not hasten to depart
From daily grief and gladness
To climb a holy mountain;
Every mountain now is sacred,
Each marketplace, and every home,
All, all are blessed
Since God has pitched a tent among us.
Now on earth are to be found
The footprints of the word made flesh
Who walked with us in wind and rain
And under sun and stars,
In joy and sorrow,
Born of Mary, watched over by Joseph,
Eating and drinking, living and loving.
Dying yet living, the Word is made flesh
And all the earth,
And each of us,
Is holy ground
Where we must slip our sandals off
And walk softly, filled with wonder.
-- author unknown
May blessings fall on us all, as we tread this ancient ground made new and holy, as brothers and sisters. May the new year bring us new opportunities to be the people we have been created and called to be. May we become living embodiments of the love, light and life that we celebrate during this season.
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