This Very Christmas

This very Christmas

. . .

I shall be a carpenter who shelters a loved one from a tide of scorn

and toils to ease her path

. . .

I shall be a donkey who carries the heavy burden of a fellow traveler on a far journey

. . .

I shall be an innkeeper who has room in the inn

. . .

I shall be a servant who hears the muffled cries of a frightened young mother

on a silent night and hastens to her aid

. . .

I shall be an angel who joins with a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God and singing "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!"

. . .

I shall be a humble shepherd whose ears are first to hear good tidings of great joy

. . .

I shall be a mother who tenderly cradles the treasure of eternity in swaddling clothes

. . .

I shall be a rich and noble wise man who follows the bright star

to kneel and worship before the manger of an infant King

. . .

And this very Christmas

. . .

I shall be a child of God who, with hope, wraps the gift of peace on earth

and gently places its fragile contents beneath the Christmas tree of humanity.