A Random Thursday Before Christmas

It's cold out here this morning, in the dark before the sunrise.

It helps wake me up a bit to come out here,

because it's Thursday, and I still have lots on my list 

of all the oh-so-important things I have to do

before Christmas.

It's quiet out here this morning, in the dark before the sunrise.

It helps still my soul a bit to come out here,

because it's December and Advent is upon us,

and competes for space between all the

oh-so-important things I have to do

before Christmas.

But right in this moment, here's some space,

to think,

to pray.

There's some light out here, in the dark before the sunrise.

Which is why we want the things that sparkle this time of year.

To remind us.  

The Light has come.

Even when it's winter,

and December,

and a random Thursday

before Christmas.

And what a gift it is

to have a list of things to do before Christmas.

To carry on as normal,

more or less.

I think about this out here in the dark before sunrise.

And pray for those I care about who are right now overwhelmed.

Or afraid.

Or not at all where they want to be.

Or all three.

Maybe like Mary did, with Joseph, 

that night.

I think Christmas falls on a Thursday this year.