Embracing Life

I've watched that sun rise day after day,
and I've heard the words that people say;
helpful, holy, thoughtful words
and cruel remarks better not heard.

But the very best sound to fall on my ear
is the sacred silence; nothing to hear,
absolute quiet, no sound at all.
It is here I wait for the Spirit to call.

Then comes the whisper heard by my heart,
and I feel my spirit slowly start
to smile, then laugh with exquisite joy;
I hold in my arms Mary's boy.

This is the One who makes all things new.
From infant to Savior, he lives to renew
the fragments that have broken apart,
to restore the courage gone from my heart.

This infant child will show us the way.
These hands will heal; this voice will say
truth to powers, rulers and kings;
this son of Mary will teach us to sing

songs of hope, forgiveness and joy;
would you like to hold Mary's boy?
Cradle him gently near your heart,
put aside all that would keep you apart.

Make room in your heart for the one born to be
the presence of God in all we see:
all creatures and Kings, the elite and the poor
will one day walk through that open door

and meet him at last, face to face,
the essence of love, the fullness of grace.
And he will reach out and call me near
in order to whisper in my ear:

I know who you are; I remember your face.
You were the one in a far distant place
who held me safe from danger or harm.
You held me in your caring arms.

So, come my brother, sister, my child;
take my hand and let's walk together awhile.
Behind you now is the rancor and strife.
This is the promised fullness of life.

As he spoke those words, I thought of you:
Would you like to hold the baby, too?