Not the coming of your Santa Claus

his bag stuffed high with gifts for well to do;

not the din of endless jingles jollying God knows who

not the crowds of grasping shoppers, more than ever was

But a time to pause, to push it all away

not to get, but contemplate how little we deserve

that all’s a gift, our energy, our nerve

re-conceived by mercy, every single day.

Advent is about our deepest ties with the divine

and powers that shake and shape the world

death and judgement, heaven and hell - like unfurled

banners flying above all destiny and time.

Who would not from these truths wish to hide,

though Christ is God incarnate, crucified?