The Spirits of the Season

The Spirits of the Season




Following stars, or are they red-noses?
Wise men and shepherds and red-clad, elfin,
Oversized saints deliver gifts and great news:
Love abides: resides among us: within!

Giving to give, giving to learn, giving 
To earn a seat in heaven or at hearth, 
Or at the front of the best myths, where history’s 
Lovely souls endure: share all without need.

Virgins and swaddled babes in inn’s mangers,
Sinners and lepers and miracle-healed,
Broadcasting the word about free salvation:
Revealing the hope of the universe.

Goodness, precedent in each of us since 
Birth, new at each human intersection, 
Commanded, like peace, at each wary sprinkling 
Of Holy water (or of humming mist).

Rejoice, rejoice, in this season of life,
Climbing boldly out from the shortest day, 
Reaching out toward a touch from eternity:
Baptized by the baptizers who follow.

Sparkle and shine, overflow with lovejoy,
Overcome lack with generosity, 
With one good eye toward humility and the
Other to the bounties of  poverty.

Love abides! Resides among us: within!
Call her Jesus or call him Mary: Claus, 
Or Machabeean, or Ravi al-Awwal, 
Or name it: give and love-proclaim enough:

In that spirit, enough.




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