Below is a little something that I wrote years ago. It still seems relevant.
Let Advent seek, let mists descend,
Let all creation stare;
Let humble eyes a sight behold
That stirs a soul laid bare.
While shoppers run and sales abound,
While children's eyes are wide;
While money flows and gifts are wrapped,
Let stand the greedy tide.
Take care to keep from letting go,
From turning with the rest.
Take time to wait and time to know
The better from the best.
Look back and see through fog and veil
The site of love's release;
A land, a star, a shepherd's cave,
A blessed place of peace.
Here dust and dirt lay all about;
The hay is old and spent.
Yet rests the babe, with mother near,
In every way content.
The beasts are still, the light is faint,
The rags are small and worn.
And all can sense with quiet ease
The Savior who is born.
Now does he raise his tiny hand
And smile with simple joy;
Love's gaze in faces all around
Supply his only toy.
No trains, no cars, no fancy games
Are given here this night.
But human comfort, care, and love
Provide God’s true delight.
For shepherd, sheep, and kings alike
'Tis plenty to behold;
This vision of our God enfleshed
In greater good than gold.
Creation's best, and some besides,
Dwells there for all to see.
The simple truths are quite at hand,
Just waiting to go free.
A gift of self, a gift of time,
A love spread out as leaven,
Share in this truth, this mystery lived,
Of earth enjoined with heaven.
If Christ was borne that night to us,
And we as much do say,
Then should we not with eager heart
Bear him in mind today?
For this I know, a simple fact,
Yet charged with certainty:
That what we do with Christ this day
Does change eternity.
The gifts we have, the gifts we share,
Have never been our own.
They have been borne by God for us;
They are the royal throne.
Stand still, dear friend,
and look about,
While stars and night do sing
With brilliant light and mystic sound:
"All glory to the King!"
