Saturday, December 24, 2022

The Holy Night, Der Heilige Abend

Oh Holy Night, Der Heilige Abend


We start arriving,

Dinner is on time at five.

Dumplings in hot water are writhing,

Sauerkraut in bacon is revived.


The best dishes are on the table.

The compote in bowls at each place.

Squeeze onto the bench if you are able,

Somehow we all find a space.


After the dishes, (it isn’t my turn),

We gather for the Bible reading

In Luke, there is always something to learn.

Let it be short, the children are pleading.


By now we have been here forever,

Or so is seems, present giving is here.

Gifts, some handmade and clever,

Some purchased, all meant to be sincere.


The refuse paper pile is growing,

The punch bowl with floating fruit 

Has arrived and time is slowing,

The grumbling is almost minute.


What makes this night holy?

It is our bond that makes us more able

To honor a moment most lowly,

And gather for Him around the table.



How will it all turn out this year? The weather all across the nation has been colder and harsher. Will my family actually come across the water to be here on Christmas Eve Day? I can't predict, but then I have decided that this is a calm Christmas season and no matter what happens I have prepared to be happy and at peace. 



Click here to return to the Calm Christmas main page.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What do you think?