This very Christmas
I shall be a carpenter who shelters a loved one from a tide of scorn
and toils to ease her path.
I shall be a donkey who carries the heavy burden of a fellow traveler on a far journey.
I shall be an innkeeper who has room in the inn.
I shall be a servant who hears the muffled cries of a frightened young mother
on a silent night and hastens to her aid.
I shall be an angel who joins with a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God and singing "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!"
I shall be a humble shepherd whose ears are first to hear good tidings of great joy.
I shall be a mother who tenderly cradles the treasure of eternity in swaddling clothes.
I shall be a rich and noble wise man who follows the bright star
to kneel and worship before the manger of an infant King.
. . .
And this very Christmas
. . .
I shall be a child of God who, with hope, wraps the gift of peace on earth
and gently places its fragile contents beneath the Christmas tree of humanity.

by Renee Hawkley