The last few days we’ve trimmed the tree
and lined up Santas and copper globes.
We’ve hung the lights and arranged the greens
and tuned the radio to Holiday Classics.
Our golden angel from the 1960s,
with rhinestone tears and netted wings,
is set above the room,
and shiny ornaments reflect upon each other,
telling of travels, happy days and interests.
Thoughtful nooks and tablescapes,
scenes and settings for cheer appear.
And for the first time in my life
the merry mood of Christmas has yet to come.
Holly hardly helps an anxious heart.
I cut out paper strips for garland,
and glue the pinecones into place,
and ponder fearful roads and faith
of kings and shepherds
following a star to a stable.
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. – Luke 1:35
Image: The Road to Bethlehem, painting by Lee Pantas
SILVER PENNIES 
Such a question, from where does the cheer come? An automatic response not automatic – so unsettling. It does feel out of our control. Does it come from within or without? Whether found or not, it can’t lie too far outside the path of faith.
There is room in this season for all of it, cheer and anxiety, sorrow and joy. Thanks for writing it out in this lovely space.