Monday Poem: A Christmas Hymn

The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord.
Because it brings joy to all humanity.
Old people and infants alike enjoy your day.
Your day is celebrated from generation to generation.
Kings and emperors my pass away,
And the festivals to commemorate them soon lapse.
But your festival will be remembered till the end of time.
Your day is a means and a pledge of peace.
At your birth heaven and earth were reconciled,
Since you came from heaven to earth on that day
You forgave our sins and wiped away our guilt.
You gave us so many gifts on your birthday:
A treasure chest of spiritual medicines for the sick;
Spiritual light for those that are blind;
The cup of salvation for the thirsty;
The bread of life for the hungry.
In the winter when trees are bare,
You give us the most succulent spiritual fruit.
In the frost when the earth is barren,
You bring new hope to our souls.
In December when seeds are hidden in the soil,
The staff of life springs forth from the virgin womb.


- Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306-373 C.E.)

Monday Prayer: Breathe on Me

Breathe on me, o Breath of Life

On your inhale, receive my fears.
On your exhale, I receive hope.

On your inhale, receive unrest;
On your exhale, I receive peace.

On your inhale, receive pain;
On your exhale, I receive joy.

May I slow my breathing to match yours,
       parent and child rhythm,
               Creator and created rhythm,
                        Beloved and belonging rhythm.


I exhale...

and release...

Anger... stress... attempts at control... perfectionism... procrastination... insecurity.


Away they go... through the power of the Spirit...



I inhale...

and receive...

Consolation... advocacy... openness... healing... blessing... courage... grace...


May Your goodness and mercy that follows me all the days of my life catch me today.


Amen.