Turn Around

Christmas, coming at us at full speed.
Rushing towards us, like a train.
Are you ready for Christmas?
Have you shopped?
Have you wrapped?
Have you cleaned?
Have you planned?
Are you ready?

We turn around, knowing that Christmas comes
whether we are ready or not.
Christmas.  Wham.  Here.
Gifts ripped open.
Oohs and awe.
Meals prepared, table set.
Time spent together as a family.
Christmas has come.

We turn around, and sigh,
a little bit of relief.
Christmas has come,
and if finished.
Nap, if we are lucky.
Clean up paper, pack up boxes, put away (or return) gifts.
Thank the creator of the gift bag.
We sink into the chair, glad
to have 364 days until it comes again.

We turn around, and miss Christ.
Among all of the hoopla,
The Happy Holiday vs Merry Christmas,
among the emails from stores and the
rush to get everything done,
We have turned around,
and we have missed him.

We turn around, and Christ comes
Christmas comes,
each and every day,
Breaking into our lives,
Loving us with his compassion,
Saving us with his grace.
Are we ready?
Christmas comes every day.
Christ comes every day.
Just turn around.