Christmas is a magical time for children. They approach it with great excitement in their hearts as they open their Advent calendars. With each day’s offering they note how closer they are getting to Christmas Day itself.

Countdown

A countdown is on,
with the daily opening of a door
in the Advent calendar.

Some have their minds fixed
on consuming chocolate
or finding a small gift.

Others watch a scene
unfold, a marvellous story
slowly, slowly gets told.

Perhaps a candle is lit
and left to burn while we
reflect on a word, name or date.

Anticipation builds
in the daily noticing,
receiving, seeing and reading.

December's cold drabness
is lifted by an interest
in things outside ourselves.

Gradually, these small
snapshots of hope, joy, mystery
are unveiled and revealed.

Until we reach the climax,
where the action really begins,
with a birth in Bethlehem.
© joylenton

“Whoever possesses God in their being has Him in a divine manner, and He shines out to them in all things; for them all things taste of God and in all things it is God’s image that they see.” ― Meister Eckhart

As we grow older, we tend to become less proficient in the art of sensing and noticing the magic in our midst, so we often miss the awe and wonder that exists.

It’s more about having gratitude for Presence than receiving presents, more about Nativity than having delicious food to eat. It’s less about what can be bought and more about what needs to be sought. 

Giving gifts is a marvellous thing, and so is receiving them, but we can easily miss the holy point of Christmas when we’re overly concerned with purchasing stuff.

The hectic clamour of the world saturates our senses but it can be answered with the calming peace of God. 

When we seek God’s rest and peace, we awaken anew to the magic and mystery wrapped up in the Christ-child before whom we kneel.

Let’s take a few moments for a prayerful pause and ask for a little stardust to fall on us.

Stardust

Come warm yourself, your chilled bones
by the fire,
near these searing, chosen coals.

I've saved a seat beside me
as we watch
a growing, iridescent glow.

It's the blaze of mystery sparking 
the here and now,
as in-between this moment
and the next, it flows.

Hear it calling us forth to marvel
anew, to be inspired,
and to listen with each breath.

Let us be attentive, focused, still
as millponds,
with unbroken surfaces, like glass.

Let us wait for the fountain to flow
with a freedom
that is just within our grasp.

Let us stay with the silence, the best
approach to take
while we look, listen, and wait.

Then let us rise with stardust embers
shining from our eyes,
with gladdened hearts and minds
filled with a hope we dared to find.
© joylenton 

Whatever you might be going through right now, my friend, my prayer for you is this:

May you make room for Jesus within this Christmas season and experience the Joy and Peace only He can bring to our hurting hearts. 

As you contemplate the magic and mystery of the Nativity, may it live on in your soul, strengthen your faith, and encourage you, always.

🎄I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy New Year! 🎄

With love and deep gratitude for your lovely company here. 

Joy Xx ❤️🎄💜🕊️🌺