As usual, I am up early on Christmas morning. I woke up with the storm and now I am listening to the rain and cuddling with Charlie, my schnoodle who is afraid of storms. Soon the hustle and bustle of opening gifts and eating dinner with family will interrupt this silence. We need both, silence and noise.
Last night at the Christmas Eve service, we had quiet prayer and joyous hymns. I love singing at Christmas time because I know all the words and all the alto parts. Having all three girls home makes the house loud and busy. I love this, too.
But the quiet is where I find God. This early morning Christmas, I pray for the families of Sandy Hook victims. May they find peace. I remember those who are absent from our own family. And I pray that this day will fill our hearts with enough love to block out all the evil in this world.
I have given myself a writing challenge this season. My father has been creating a Christmas card each year for the last 9 years. I have the collection on display. I am attempting to write a poem for each one. Inside each card, he wrote a biblical message. I use this message as an epigraph.
Out of Egypt
“Out of Egypt I have called my Son.”Out of
the cool dark night
in the midst
of old tales,
myths of Egypt,
land of Kings,
I hear His voice–
a whisper–Go.
Take my Son,
Embrace hope.
Go.–Margaret Simon, all rights reserved
Merry Christmas and what a wonderful way to celebrate, a poem!
Enjoy the day,
Bonnie
I am also enjoying a quiet morning. No one is up yet, and I’m loving this time with my fellow slicers! Thanks for sharing your quiet thoughts with us.
Such a marvelous tradition for your father to create the cards, Margaret, and now for you to write for them. Beautiful words! Merry Christmas to you & your family.
Such a great combination of talents! I hope you had a perfect day.
I also thought of those families – and all the families who have lost loved ones this year. Loved ones they can’t help but “see” as they sit down to try to celebrate this year.
Beautiful poetry and card. A family treasure!
Finding God in the quiet and praying for others, for our world… then hustle and bustle of the noise of family breaking in, realization of the need for both in life- quite a Christmas gift!
Beautiful card and a wonderful new tradition for your family to enjoy. Lovely.
We need both, silence and noise. That made me think of other contrasts, the sorrow addressed in prayer and the joy of being with family. It seems you are starting a lovely new tradition, matching your father’s drawings with your poetry.
Margaret, may we all embrace peace and love this year. Merry Christmas!