Are our ears so full

of Jingle Bells,

and generic carol muzak

that we fail to hear the threats of war?

+

Are our Christmas gift lists, cards, and menus

so important,

so pressing,

that we fail to see Christ

weeping and shivering in the line of refugees

as they flee?

+

Are our log fires and candlelit rooms

so cosy, are we so cossetted, yet hardened by comfort

that we reject the ones

who come

to us for shelter?

+

And do the cries of Happy Holidays,

the sacrin films,

the gaudy adverts

dazzle us  so much that we do not hear

the unjust undercurrent?

+

There will be bombs  by Christmas…

+

Lord in your mercy

burst through our complacency,

open our eyes,

stir our hearts,

enliven our minds.

+

Help us to find you in the lowest and the least,

in the terrorised and terrified,

Help us to find you stirring in our souls

as we echo your prayer,

we are one,

we are one and we are yours!

+

Then lets us see at last a glimpse of your glory

breaking over us, breaking in us.

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