It’s that time of year again.
The time of year
when I often find
that I’m so pre-occupied
with preparing to celebrate
the birth of Jesus
that I’m too busy
to spend any time
with Jesus Himself.

Lord,
please bear with me.
Help me to step back
from the mad rush
of cards and presents,
food and music
and to stand instead
at peace
in front of our crib.

Because it’s only there
at the crib
and deep in my heart
that I can truly find
the meaning of Christmas –
the Child God
born into poverty
specially for us.

© Claire Murray, 17th December 2022