Lord, before this fleeting season is upon us,
Let me remember to walk slowly.
Lord, bless my heart with love and with quiet.
Give my heart a leaning to hear carols.
Grace our family with contentment,
And the peace that comes only from You.
Lord, help us to do less this busy season;
Go less; stay closer to home; kneel more.
May our hearts be Your heart.
May we simply, peacefully, celebrate You.
As we all take the final inhale before the rush that is the Christmas season, I am reminded of this lovely poem by Maryann Jindra. Composer Libby Larsen set these words to music some years back, and it’s one of my favorite choral pieces in the world.
I’ve always loved Christmas, and it’s even more precious to me this year. I’m not sure why, really — maybe it’s because it’s been a crazy year and I’m finally taking some time off; or the fact that I bought and decorated my first Christmas tree; or the recent horrible events in Connecticut; or that I’m finally growing up a little.
The holiday will be over quickly, and I’ll probably spend too much time worrying about travel plans and presents and all the stuff that doesn’t really matter in the end.
But until then I’ll be laying on the sofa with Best Friend, watching the Christmas tree sparkle.
Thank you so much for this poem, Amy. I will share this with my family this season and, with your permission, feature it this weekend as a Poem In Your Post. Off to see if the choral rendition is available on YouTube…
Your tree looks lovely, bringing to mind the Christmases of my childhood. Thanks for that as well, and may the peace of the season be with you always,
L
Of course you’re welcome to post it on your blog! Anything to pass the poem on to more people.
I couldn’t find a choral version on YouTube, or I would have embedded it. 🙁 Sometimes websites that sell sheet music have audio samples you can listen to — I googled around a little just now and couldn’t find any, but you may have better luck.
I’m loving my little tree more each day. I love that it brings back memories for you; it does for me as well. Travel safely this season, stay warm and dry, and I hope you have fun!
What a beautiful poem. I’ll have to find the song to it. Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
It is a great poem. One of my favorites. I did indeed have a great Christmas. Hope your new year is wonderful!