a thing of beauty

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness,but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health,

and quiet breathing

– John Keats

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When a Child Is Born

A ray of hope flitters in the sky

A tiny star lights up way up high

All across the land dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass when a child is born

A silent wish sails the seven seas

The winds have changed whisper in the trees

And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn

This comes to pass when a child is born

A rosy hue settles all around

You’ve got the feel you’re on solid ground

For a spell or two no-one seems forlorn

This comes to pass when a child is born

And all of this happened

Because the world is waiting

Waiting for one child

Black, white, yellow, no one knows

But a child that would grow up and turn tears to

laughter

Hate to love, war to peace

And everyone to everyone’s neighbour

Misery and suffering would be forgotten forever

It’s all a dream and illusion now

It must come true, sometimes soon somehow

All across the land dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass when a child is born

All across the land dawns a brand new morn

This comes to pass when a child is born

When a child is born

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A Christmas Prayer for Sadness

 

 

Dear God of Compassion,

There is such a hole in our hearts.  Today should be a day of joy, but we feel emptiness and loss.

While the world celebrates around , I remember Christmas celebrations of the past and people long to have we loved We bring our sorrows to You, Lord, like some odd gift of the magi and dump them at Your feet. In our blind tears we wonder if anyone can possibly understand the depth of our sadness.

 

We know, You can. You sent Your son to be with us in our deepest sorrows and we know that even though we might not feel it now, You are here with us, grieving with us, caring for us in our sadness.

Dearest Lord, help us to turn to the one we miss so much today and speak. Help us heal the loss of our parting and help us not to regret the things we didn’t say. Sorrow tears at our hearts, but today we ask that our  loss soften our hearts and make us more compassionate with everyone we meet, so that our loss may become a gift to others.

Amen.

 

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Beauty in the Desert

God said that even the desert has beauty. Good times and bad times are part of living.

It is difficult to fully appreciate joy until you have tasted sadness.

Laughter is sweeter if you have experienced tears.

There may be times when you feel like you’re stuck in a dry and desolate place, but an encouraging call or a hug from a friend can be an oasis. . . beauty in the desert.

Though it may not be easy, try to remember that the trials are going to help you fully experience the joy on the horizon.

Sometimes you can’t see it or feel it. Sometimes hope seems far away.

Often the difficulties you face make it seem as if hope has abandoned you.

But hope never leaves. It is always there, ready for you to embrace.

 

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