Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!


It is a beautiful morning here at St. Francis Farm, with a little dusting of fresh snow and sun trying to peek through the clouds. Last night we celebrated with Wil and Scott, played a little "Pass the Pigs" to stay awake before heading to Midnight Mass. Since I've been here with my parents through Advent, I joined the Choir at St. Joseph's in Grand Junction. They were quite welcoming and it was good to sing with a small, but well prepared ensemble, despite being on the tale-end of a 3-week cold that has been making the rounds of our family, and the Grand Valley. Between the cold and computer issues it has taken much longer to get back on-line than I expected after the retreat. But I have missed the practice of posting and hope to be back more regularly now. Last night at supper I shared this poem that resonated again this year when I recieved it from NALM and I'd like to share it with you this morning. It is
by Howard Thurman entitled “The Work of Christmas”...

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The Work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among brothers,

To make music in the heart.


Wishing you much love, music and peace this Christmas Day!