Advent where I am

is less full of expectation,

and more filled with questions….

Should we gather? Is it safe?

Can we sing? Should we….

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Advent where I am has struggled

through to this final week,

lighting candles in the darkness,

a prayer and a protest,

an emergency has been declared in London,

lockdowns in Holland,

countries are closing their borders,

PCR tests are being taken,

Covid jostles the Christ-child for attention…

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Advent where I am is muted,

the strictly final with its glitter and glamour

provided a bit of light relief,

but where there was joy in the night,

there is weeping in the morning,

cases are rising,

uncertainty prevails…

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But, today advent calls us to ponder

the virgins response,

let it be, she cries as for I have been regarded,

the lowly will be raised,

and I have been blessed.

So maybe Covid comes, a strange prophet,

calling us from our feasting,

opening our eyes to the struggle of others,

pointing again to the manger,

and the cross,

where love gave all

for all…