Now the stark days of December 
usher in long hours of cold.
Grey clouds spill on the horizon 
as setting sun spills gold.

Jupiter and Geminid 
meteors rehearse their part.
Though winter black’s a heavy garment, 
a light shines in the dark.

Like shepherds, dazed by angels, 
we face these days with awe.
We gather and we kneel before 
a manger filled with straw.

First the holy infant startles, 
then settles in to nurse.
So too must all here be unrest 
before peace breaks on earth.