Reds, whites, greens
separated by hots & colds,
darks & lights
with a bit of soap,
far removed from the bells,
the garlands, the cheery carols.
This is Advent. This is
the preparation
for your coming: cleaning,
washing, planning, (re)arranging,
assessing what is needed,
writing what must
be written,
saying what must be
said to make way & make amends,
giving a honest account of our readiness,
adulting to be precise.
I want to wonder
a while
longer, dream
of the work already
accomplished … but still
the work stares at us to be done.
So many ordinary chores for the most
extraordinary Reason, but in truth
it feels simply ordinary.
It is ordinary.
We trim the lamps,
we wash the dirty laundry,
we go to bed tired and wake up
bleary-eyed, because
you are coming.
Because the work isn’t finished.
So come, O Christ.
Quickly come.
on Matthew 25:1-13