What have we learned

As we embark on this, the year's last day,

what will we celebrate?

What have we learned from this year past;

what darkness will we gladly leave behind;

what losses ache, and what bright new hope

will we be carrying into tomorrow's dawn?

A lesson from your pupils

Observe this: how your pupils, in a darkened room,

Will open wide, and wider still,

In their struggle to find light.

Let your heart follow their example:

When everything seems too dark to bear,

Let it open wide, and wider still,

Until, at last, it encompasses the light.

Seeking a peaceful night

As we come to the end of a stressful year

and face into the challenges of the year to come,

help us all to trust that things are happening as they should;

and to sleep in peace, understanding 

that rest will solve more problems

than worrying ever could.

Softening the barriers

Somewhere above, below, beyond -- or perhaps 

within -- the harried pace of daily life

there exists a centered calmness, a quiet peace.

Breathe, my friend; breathe deep:

find that serenity, and let it spread 

and soften all the barriers you thought stood firm

between what is and what could be.

What can we share?

And now, today, when we who had so much already

have just a little more, what can we share,

and what can we give away?

Honoring our inner gifts

And now we've welcomed the manger's light

as warmly as we're able,

Let's learn to love those other ones

who populate our inner stable:

the ox, the lamb, the mom, the dad,

the shepherd and the king.

Each has come to honor the light;

each has a gift to bring.

Merry Christmas!

There's a manger, deep within us,

Glowing with the promise of 

a new beginning; gentle echo

Of the star that shines above.

May that spirit of peace and kindness

Grow to fill the world with love.