A Christmas Day reflection:
In the poorest homes, and in the richest,
the candles are lit,
some burning brightly, others a fragile flicker
much like ourselves on this Christmas Day.
Fragile, even if well sheltered and booster-filled,
we wonder what the candles say to us
in such unusual times.
Perhaps six words is all we need from these small flames:
“take courage, and be not afraid”
timeless words –
always able to penetrate
our uncertain journeys –
and wonderfully gifted from God.
reminding us
that Christmas illumines
our true meaning on earth,
our amazing, courageous humanity,
and our extraordinary capacity to love.

Peter Millar, Edinburgh, Christmas 2021
ionacottage@hotmail.com