All good things
must come to an end,
or so they say.

This evening we went
to the vigil Mass
for the feast of the Epiphany.

On one hand
I rejoice in this –
exotic kings,
robed in splendour,
surrounded in mystery
and steeped in wisdom,
entering a cow shed
to bow down
before a Baby Jesus,
born in poverty.
I delight to see My Lord,
the Baby Jesus,
given his rightful place.

On the other hand
I feel saddened
because this signifies the end
of the Christmas season.
My heart sinks
at the thought of an end
to my beloved Christmas carols.
An end to silent nights, mangers,
shepherds and kings.
And end to stars and angels,
lambs and donkeys.
And end to songs
about drummer boys
and a beautiful first time mother
nursing her baby.

Lord,
your wonderful gift of music
has touched my heart
and stirred my soul
this Christmas season
but deep inside I know
that all good things
must come to an end –
even this lovely Christmas.

© Claire Murray, 5th January 2016