an Advent poem

Counting down the days till Christmas-----just 12 days to go! I really do love this season. In the midst of the busyness, however, I have to constantly remind myself to be still and know that He is God. I composed a little poem to highlight the dichotomy of physical preparations for Christmas, and the spirtual.

Picking out paper that glitters like gold
it's a two for $5 deal,
am I selling my soul

Running late for the meeting, my mom's health is poor
I need to head out one more time for the store

I long for some peace but can't rest when I get it
It'll just about drive me insane if I let it

My heart full of fears, my head full of doubts
It's cramped for the One Christmas is all about

Mary said "Yes", I say "I guess"
I want to make room,
not be wasting my breath

singing the carols with a voice that belies
the messiness, craziness all jammed inside

rather than running around to consume
teach me, o Dear One, how to make room

push aside papers, good deals, and deep fears,
subsume me with Presence, not presents, this year

all heaven breaks loose!

On Friday night, I went to a performance of Handel's Messiah with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Woods' own Tim Meredith, a member of the Baltimore Symphonic Chorale, invited me to come watch the performance. The Myerhoff Symphony was plush and decorated with twinkling lights. There was a sense of expectation in the air. We settled into our seats, the lights dimmed, and the concert began. The string section kicked things off, and were joined by oboes, organ, timpani, harpsichord and more. It was magnificent and majestic.

I loved how each section was based on Scripture. As many of you know, the oratorio tells the story of Christ---part 1 is about his coming, part 2, his sacrificial death and resurrection, and part 3 is about his victory over sin and death. I tried to soak it all in, but it was overwhelming. It was like a lovely, heavenly kaleidoscope of music and voices---all to God's glory. But I just couldn't capture all of the complexity and nuances of the piece, and at times I felt small and unworthy.

Then I rememberd the time I took my guitar to a guitar shop downtown. It's called The Guitar Shop. :) It's a small, cramped store----filled from top to bottom with instruments for sale and under repair, sheet music and dust. :} Still, the store has a strong following because the guys who work there are very committed and capable.

I had just had my guitar for a short time and I remember the guys there were oohing and aahing over it. They were like, "Whoa! A Taylor!" And I was like, "Yeah, I know. I'm not worthy." Then one guy asked, "Do you like playing it?" And I said, "Yeah." And he said, 'Then, you're worthy." :)

In much the same way, God deems us worthy of redemption, even if we don't feel we deserve it. At this special time of year, heaven is busting loose all over the place. May we keep our eyes and ears attuned to the angels' songs. God is reaching out to us with unexpected grace in ordinary places!