Christmas Graces
By Patti Snyder
Thank you,
Giver of all good gifts and One who shapes order out of chaos, for…
women and men whose lives are formed by your grace
and who are finding ways to grow;
the magic of ideas born into action
and carried out with energy;
faith strong enough to speak the truth in love;
the circle of care created when friends share
struggles, hopes, laughter, and tears;
three- year- old wonder
20- year- old persistence,
and 60- year- old depth;
colleagues formed through thoughtful interaction
and respectful support;
families strong enough to risk appearing weak by showing affection;
the gifts of freedom and responsibility challenging us to care
for your children and earth with
our votes, voices, and priorities;
and the miracle of Immanuel not just at the birth of a child,
but at each time and in each very particular way God is with us.
Thank you, powerful and caring God,
for the continued reminder offered by the arch of the sky
to turn and return to you.
Thank you, God of hope and justice, for each new season and day-
every one a new chance for people and places to embody your ways.
Peace to you, Amen.
written by the Reverend Patti Snyder
for an Agnes Scott College newsletter, December 1992