The night of Christ’s birth
is filled with
the intermingling
of joy and grief
what joy it held
yet for you
who grieves right now
I beg you to look with me
at the Shepherds
who worked hard
hidden away
lowly, unseen
of Jewish faith
who waited for
the Messiah
400 years
waited in silence
though the angels sang to them
and they were invited
surely their hearts were warmed
but their life stayed hard
they were seen that night
but unseen by man
No doubt they cam with hurts
and weariness
kneeling at baby Jesus’ feet
in wonder and confusion
Look at Mary and Joseph
shamed for pregnancy out of wedlock
traveling 100 miles
no room for them
the pain of birth
I know their hearts filled
with the purest joy
And No doubt
apprehension, fear, and exhaustion
Look a the Wise Men
they risked their lives
their status
disobeyed a tyrant king
No doubt they carried burdens too
even as they carried precious gifts
Look at Jesus
He entered the world as a King
and He cried as a babe
He was cold and vulnerable
no room for Him
He lived to die
the moment He breathed
was the beginning of a path to the cross
A dark night
a bright start
I pray that those who grieve this Christmas
may see their place in this story
and maybe even find a way
to allow the joy of Jesus
to intermingle with their grief
Joyful Ruins 
Leave a comment