illuminates
the night

and
shepherds

tremble

before
angelic choirs

remains
oblivious

and an
awestruck father

take in the
miracle

and the
mystery

continues
unaware

unaware

that
everything

just changed

lies
sleeping in the straw

takes baby
small breaths

in the hay

peacefully
sleeps

to us

and almost
no-one

notices

as simple
as washing one another’s feet

Lord, forgive us
when we make discipleship
difficult

that was never
how you taught it

when I search your gospel teachings
I discover nothing more
and nothing less
than great simplicity

a basin and a towel
bread and wine
a simple touch
a word of forgiveness
a rhythm of prayer

take nothing for the journey

a grain of wheat
a mustard seed
the profound simplicity
of love

as simple
as washing another’s feet

forgive us
when we complicate discipleship
help us instead
to simply serve
out of your great love
and our
naked vulnerability

held in the Father’s arms
I am safe

soaked in the Father’s love
peace
permeates my tiredness

he knows

he knows everything about me
within
and without

he will restore me

all will be well

1 John 4.13-16

I am the complete expression
of love
greater by far
more consistent
than any other love
you’ll ever know
than any other love
that’s ever warmed
and touched your heart

imagine that
I am the complete expression of love
in all its fullness
love
as it was designed to be
wonderful
sustaining
forgiving
serving
perfect, perfect love

and I long to overwhelm you
with that love
to lavish it upon you
to swamp you with it
hold you in it
never
let you go

open your heart
to receive

there are no conditions
it’s all
for you
whatever you’ve done
whatever others
have done to you
however you’re feeling
right now
it’s all for you

open your heart
to receive

Ephesians 3.14-21

beyond my deepest need
or highest hope

able to encompass
and restore
all humankind

endless
stupendous
enfolding
upholding

astounding reach of love
at one with me

surrounding
indwelling
healing
empowering

the source of all that is
and all I am

forgiving
renewing
nurturing
enabling

drawing out potential
for the call

beyond me
within me
limitless
yet personal

seeing
all that’s needed for my life

loving
always loving
infinitely loving

loving
with a love that says

let’s dance