Reflections and Refractions

In a world of hunger and thirst,
In a world of droughts and flooding rains,
In a world of terror and climate change,
What can I do to make a difference this Christmas?

In the darkness of fear, hope is there to be found.
Will we dare to receive the gift of hope?

In a world of wars, and a world of greed,
In a world of violence on our streets,
In a world where I matters more than us,
What can I do to make a difference this Christmas?

In the darkness of fear, peace is waiting to be freed.
Will we dare to receive the gift of peace?

In a world of loneliness and depression
In a world of sickness and grief.
In a world of sadness and tragic loss,
What can I do to make a difference this Christmas?

In the darkness of fear, joy is there to be experienced.
Will we dare to receive the gift of joy?

In a world of religious hatred and racism,
In a world that sees white as nicer than black,
In a world in which rich has power over poverty.
What can I do to make a difference this Christmas?

In a darkness of fear, love is screaming to be shared.
Will we dare to receive the gift of love?

In a world which seems as imperfect as it can be
In a world where the problems seem so big,
In a world which cries out ‘What does it matter?’
What can I give to make a difference this Christmas?

In the darkness of fear, a light begins to shine
Will we dare to receive the gifts that we can also give?

So which gift of God’s will you receive this Christmas?
And which gift will you give?
A gift of hope? A gift of peace? A gift of joy? A gift of love?
There seems so much to choose from. Can I choose only one?

In the brightness of Christ, life shines anew.
Will we dare to give the gifts we have received this Christmas?

Celebrate the new life within you!
Celebrate God’s presence in your midst!
Rejoice people of God and give Christ this Christmas.