One day during the Christmas season

Feeling God's presence, when nothing is perfect or peaceful

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Drinking a hot cup of coffee,

(Reheated a second time. Or is the third?)  

Listening to Christmas music,

(Some Frank Sinatra, some acapella. Some old, some new.) 

My sweet children laughing, 

(And yes, also bickering.)

Decorating the tree,

(I won't rearrange it later. I want our home to look like my kids live here, too.)

Wrapping gifts,  

(Unwrapping when I’ve forgotten to label them, of course.)

Re-wrapping gifts, 

(Because I like using this new, round wrapping paper cutter.) 

Discussing the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ,

("Mom, did Jesus need his diaper changed?")

Pondering aloud what it means to live a cruciform life,

(Imperfectly taking a step, each day. Grace upon grace, precept upon precept.) 

A moment to sit down and write,

(Praying that inspiration will strike)

"Mom, can we snuggle on the couch and watch a Christmas movie?"

(Just like that, the moment is over.)

Family gathering under a blanket 

(With some tissues, for tiny, runny noses.) 

A silent prayer of thanks, to God Almighty

(For your peace and presence, in this beautiful Christmas season.)



            --Anna Williams