Rise and Shine

This Little Light, Christiane Flores 2015

This Year

This year I decided not to give up our Christmas tree

and pack up all its splendor into a box.

Instead I thought it might be worth keeping

such a lovely thing shining on.

So I found a lampstand more worthy of its light
a hilltop better fitting its rich display
and not always found by earthly sight,
but burning in hearts night and day.

And so it became adorned,
a life like a humble evergreen,
with hands outspread to be warmed
by the light of love they were bearing.

Words were like ornaments to hang
sparkling with joy and sweetness
ringing little songs that faithful shepherds sang
celebrating God's power and meekness.

Happy new year to you, my dear
the child who knew there had to be
some way to have Christmas each day of the year,
a life lit up like a Christmas tree.

::

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:1-3