A seasonal poem of Thanksgiving.

We gather this eve amid candles,
Acknowledging all God has done,
With song, prayer, sacred texts,
In light no darkness overcomes.

Pandemic distance was hard, no doubt,
Yet safe and sound, together, are we.
Huddle close now, my friends, it’s ok;
And for that, Lord, praises be!

We gather this eve at St. John’s,
So happy that we could cry.
Why you might ask? Because –
After service – there’s pie!

It is true that this bounty before us,
Doesn’t reach all that it could,
Let us share what we have with others,
May we be In The City, For Good.

Be it food, clothing, shelter,
Let us faithfully always be there,
Giving back to neighbors without,
A cornucopia of care.

This season is not always cheery,
At times we’re distant from home.
Yet with our God, our faith, each other,
Know this: you are never alone.

As we peer beyond the turkey,
The stuffing, the green beans, the wine,
A new season doth approacheth.
What’s that? It’s Christmastime!

With Macy’s parade on the tube,
There are floats, dancing, song,
A reindeer, a sled, a chubby bearded dude,
With that there is nothing wrong.

Yet there is so much more to Yuletide,
Than presents placed under a tree.
For what we need most can’t be bought,
Instead? It is offered for free.

Advent, a season of waiting,
For hope, peace, joy, love.
With bated breath we are patient, for
*the* gift that comes from above.

We gather this eve amid candles,
Acknowledging God’s only Son,
With song, prayer, sacred texts,
This light no darkness overcomes.

So eat up, my friends, and remember
God’s bread (that’s Jesus) descends,
Giving life to all the world.
A heavenly reign with out end.

Our world sure could use some fixing,
Come Lord soon, we do pray.
Be near us, through laughter and troubles,
Yesterday, forever, today.

Our world sure could use some fixing,
Show us dear Lord, what to do.
Help us see others as beloved,
Through them, may we always see you.