Joy to the World: Christmas Daybook 9
Watch: Joy to the World, Brett Alan Dewing
My friend (and fellow Sacramental Life patron) recorded himself reading one of his poems each day through Advent. I've linked the one he posted on Christmas Day but you'd love listening to each one through his YouTube channel or Facebook page. ("Patron Saint" and "Returning to my Father's For Christmas" are two among many of my favorites!)
Each year, Brett sends a poem in his Christmas card and we always keep our eyes out for his envelope. When you listen, you'll understand why.
You can read a short essay Brett guest posted on my blog during Holy Week 2018: I Thirst and buy his books here:
Here's the text for the poem in today's video:
Joy to the World
by Brett Alan Dewing
My children, if you could see
my broad, broad smile,
if you could hear the heavens crack
with laughter in this dark night…
For I have been waiting.
Now time and my joy are full.
The word I have held back
has come to its point.
And wait ‘til you see it come to life!
Wait ‘til you see the way!
I am doing a new, new thing,
and heaven and nature sing.
Oh, watch and see!
My eyes are on yours, for your surprise and joy.
My children across all time and place,
brace yourselves now…
Star, kindle!
Angels away!
Lights, camels, action!
Let the word begin!
Read: Psalm 33-34; Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:1-12; John 6:35-42, 48-51
Pray: from Psalm 33:20-22
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Amen.
Do: Write thank-you cards or New Year's greetings.
[from my 2013 post: “12 Ways to Savor the 12 Days of Christmas”]
“When I was growing up my mother always sent her annual family newsletter at New Year's. Makes sense, right? Some years I set up a card-writing station on our dining table so that throughout the week we all take turns writing thank you-cards.”
Here’s some excellent encouragement from Rachel Marie Stone, via Englewood Review of Books: Write A Better Year End Letter. If you’d rather just have a good laugh about not sending any cards, read Simcha Fisher’s How To Write An Honest Christmas Letter.
