A sliver of pause,
An encouraging word,
A hearty applause.
Gentle rebukes
With much fear and trembling,
Faithful attendance
With the assembly.
Prayers for the enemy,
Forebearance, forgiven,
Assuming the best,
A friend to envision.
Nourishing attention,
The web put on mute,
Fully engaged,
Cultivating fruit.
Wiper of tears,
Present in sorrow,
Comforter in grief,
Faith in tomorrow.
Unabridged stories
At bedtime to read,
Kissed boo-boo’s and bandaids,
Nourishing needs.
Dream helper, goal shaper,
Cheers for small steps,
Loyalty to another
A cup of clean water,
A meal taken in,
A loving touch of the hand,
A lift of the chin.
Doing the work
Of saying you’re sorry,
Rebuilding trust,
Small token gifts,
A generous hand,
Prayers of thanksgiving,
Witness to God’s promised land.
These are some gifts
Of the heart that cost none,
But your time and your love
First received from the Son.
As you do them for others
From Him do you see,
A high holy presence
No gift boughten can be.
May your Christmas be heart-felt,
Your motives be true,
And the gifts that you share
Come back to bless you.
