This child is destined
for the falling and the rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be opposed
so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.
— Luke 2.34-35
Not “the rise and fall,”
like empires that come and go,
but “falling and rising.”
Death and resurrection.
Not an idol worshiped
but a sign opposed.
Not an inspiring thought
but my own revealed.
God, transform my inner thoughts
and give me courage,
accompanied by the divine child
to die and be raised,
to enter this path of hard choices
with love and grace,
to enter this new year
ready to become a new person.
—December 29, 2017