Christmas Called Me In

a space where I am free

Christmas called me in
To the heart’s quieter place
Away from all work and worry
And the intrusion of outer images

Christmas called me in
To a space where I am free
From the illusion of entitlement
And the laughable notion of intellectual property

Christmas called me in
To the Realm of the Infant
Into helplessness and crying
And the universal truth of vulnerability

Christmas called me in
To the Hope already born
To the ending written
Long before the prologue wet the page

Christmas called me in
To Love Uncontainable
And the sustainable peace
Of Its full foregone
And future surrender

Christmas called me in
To the tender seeing of the Midnight Clear
And the gentle hearing of the Silent Night
Senses bestowed upon the lovelorn and senseless

Christmas called me in
To the cradle of the defenseless
The Light of the World shining
On, In and Through
Eternity, You and Me. 

Christmas Roses.

The celebration of Christmas is for me a celebration of realization, humility, and gratitude. It is a celebration of Divinity bowing low to touch us, to kiss us, to be with us and one of us so that we may understand the true nature of our being. The realization of our place in Divinity does not lead us into a lofty, majestic state, but instead circles us back to humility, to humus; to the extraordinary blessing and sacredness of our earthly lives and the full scope of our blissful, excruciating humanity. Christmas called the Holy Beloved in to fully participate in Earth’s Mysteries of Joy, Sorrow, Light, and Glory. And Christmas calls us in to reunite with the Great Mystery of Divinity, Which is our Origin, our Home, our Very Substance.

a little something extra:

In looking through my archives last night I came across a prayer-song I composed for the Winter Solstice in 2004. So, even though we are a few days past that precise Midwinter Moment, I thought I would share it in honor of its 20th Anniversary. So much in my life has changed in the last 20 years, but I clearly remember the sublime connection with Earth, Sky, Season and Spirit I was feeling as this song rose up in my soul that night. Regardless of all the challenges, change and loss along the way, that Connection is still present, and accessible for me when I settle myself and open my heart. For this I am deeply grateful, and so happy to be able to share this with you!

Deepest and Brightest Blessings of the Season of Wonder be yours.

~Cheryl Anne

As the willow tree,
O Christ, my heart
to Thee, bending.

As the supple vine,
Most High, my will
to Thine, bending.

As the crescent moon,
my song
to Heaven's Tune, bending.

As Midwinter's night,
prayer shifts dark
to Light, bending.

As the break of day,
my mind
to Wisdom's Way, bending.

As the rainbow's hue,
my soul, dear God
to You, bending.

Beloved, Blessed Be,
One Eternally,
bending.

P.S. A pattern emerged in writing “Bending” that turned out to be a source of healing and spiritual integration for me. If you notice the pattern, or are curious, let me know!