There is no Silent Night,
when a little one is ripped
from their parent's arms.
The keepers of the sheep will not hear the angels'
"Glory to God in the Highest,"
over the guns of war.
The Wise Ones
will not be able to see the star,
when the skies are filled
with the LED signs,
proclaiming, "more, More, MORE!"
The Christ-child is born,
in bus shelter,
in prison cell,
at border fence,
in shelled-out hovel.
The Christ-child is born,
again, and again, and again.
The Christ-child is born.
Are we willing to meet the Child;
and, in meeting,
change our world?
Are we willing to change the world,
and, in changing,
meet the Child?
—By the Right Rev. Richard Bott. Originally posted on Facebook. Moderator Bott encourages the sharing of prayers he posts throughout his term.