On The Second Day of Christmas...........

On the second day of Christmas my mind is filled with memories and feelings of this season.

                  From Thanksgiving to today, from turkey to ham, from gratitude to gifts.

                                               Gratitude for all that’s been,

                                                                        Hope for what is yet to be.

Sadness and grief for those who died in the midst of these days intended for joy.

                                                Prayers and tears for the grieving, the surviving, the battling,

                                                                                    who humble me with their courage.

My heart is filled with gratitude for Christmas trees hung with memories,

            meals shared with family, carols sung with gusto, gifts chosen with care,

                                    holiday bread baking in the oven, and gifts given and received.

I will carry into the waning days of the year the memory of a Christmas Eve worship filled

                                    with joyful music, exuberant greetings, illuminating candlelight,

                                                            a birth proclaimed, hope announced, peace promised.

And a Christmas Day injected with laughter, conversation, gifts unwrapped,

                                                      games played, food eaten, naps taken, hugs given. 

On the second day of Christmas my mind is filled with memories and feelings of this season.

                        For my life changed by the story of one born in a manger,

                                for Jesus’ message of love, for faith to see the light in the darkness.