He says, “Come to me you weary ones
And I will give you rest,”
We tend to forget this invitation
While we shop and bake with zest.
We can’t take time this season
To practice a different rhythm;
There’s too much on the “to do” list
To spend quiet time with him.
But right now in this season
Of Christmastide and cheer
A soft and sweet remembrance
Is whispered in my ear.
“I came to earth to know you
And deepen our embrace;
It’s an invitation to slow down
And see me face to face.”
Mary had this kind of spirit
As she pondered a deep mystery;
Zechariah, not so much
As he pressed the angel for certainty.
(And we all know how that turned out!)
Advent bids our openness
To the things we do not know
Because the veil has not been lifted
In its totality to show…
How God came down in poverty,
In grace and truth and love
To show us a humility
That can only come from above.
The last shall be first and the first shall be last
It’s a brand new kingdom rule
It starts in the heart and then proceeds
Through generous small acts of good deeds.
It means open-handed goodness
To bless and care for others
No clenched fists or disregard
Toward our sisters and our brothers.
We’re all created in His image
No red or blue affiliation
The same blood flows from every cut
Regardless of our station.
The demands of life can break us
As we go about this season
But it’s the breaks in simple silence
That remind us of the reason….
That Advent is a time of year
To be aware, attentive, and awake
To the Word’s desire to break in
In a whisper, not earthquake.
He will not force you to slow down,
It’s a practice only you can do
Of mindfulness and attention
To His gentle voice that breaks through…
As He brings to mind the people
Whom you can bless and gently care for
With a note, a text or phone call
Or one whom you can pray for.
So take the time for silence
Knowing it’s an invitation
We work best from our rest
With the One who grants salvation.
“This is what the sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” John 1:14, The Message.
Each paragraph of your poem
Has meaning of its own,
Through demands of the season
Compassion and love
Must be shown.
From morning through night
Graced by our Creator,
All creatures equally blessed
Both sides of equator.
“I asked for all Things
That I may enjoy Life,
He gave me life
That I may enjoy all
Things”
We honor our Father by
A Life lived in gratitude
In servitude to others,
So gather His blessings
All sisters and Brothers!
Pray for the burdened, weary and living in desperation. That as we are blessed with the gift of time, the King of Kings will fill their hearts with faith and hope.
“Advent “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
So beautiful Maddie! Thank you for your reflection as well!