Come to us, O Christ,

wherever we may be.

Some rush

through a frenzy 

of gift-shopping

and gift-wrapping,

of parties and menus

and travel plans.

Others sit

for empty, quiet hours

and days of lonely tedium

in rooms that only echo

with voices

no longer heard,

Come anew, O Christ,

to refresh us

wherever we are.

Give us, in the midst of our busy-ness,

a space of calm

for quiet wonder.

Give us, in our loneliness,

deep assurance

of your loving, holy

presence with us.

Give us, in our world

of worry and warfare -

give us, O Christ,

your peace.