As people rush by

I am thrown into

thoughtful reflection.

Why the hurry?

Where are they going?

What do they want?

Their faces etched with worry

tell the same story.

It’s Christmas time.

There are presents to buy

gifts to wrap

food to prepare

parties everywhere.

Christmas carols

fill the air

yet bounce off

tired ears

too busy to listen.

Longing for

the love, peace, and joy

that come from baby Jesus,

we sadly miss it all

in a world gone mad.

We’re too exhausted

for quiet time with

the Prince of Peace,

the one who can ease our pain

and wrap us in His love.

So, I step aside

to let another shopper by,

and whisper a prayer

that she’ll be enveloped

in God’s care.