So, this is Christmas

So, this is Christmas

I supposed it had all happened gradually

Though it materialised rather suddenly

Growing up, I thought I was in the majority

Now I realise I am actually in the minority

For I am living in this age of post Christianity

England is no longer that Christian country

I still celebrate Jesus’ birth, I go to Mass on Sunday

I will sing carols and seek the Christ on Christmas day

In advent I lit candles on a wreath, waiting patiently

Anticipating Christ’s returning, watching prayerfully

For his coming again my heart boldly says “I am ready!”

Christmas is surely not dancing reindeers or drunken Santa’s

it is not the ballad of Last Christmas or fairy tales of New York

it not family get togethers, or pulling crackers over turkey dinners.

There is a stable at Bethlem that stood so long ago, identified by a star

visited by magi, shepherds, angels, the faithful maiden with her guardian.

Where in the blink of an eye, surrounded by the humble trappings of poverty

a child was born, blinking in the darkness that was illuminated by his arrival

so, this is Christmas, at that nativity I plant my knees, offering him adoration.

Fr Patrick  Brennan 2021 ©