Unexpected Grace

In the air

the red-and-green glitter

of certainty:

we crank out

all the jack-in-the-box tunes

courting the expected surprise

of Christmas

leaping full-blown

from its pretty box.

Not for me.

I’d rather Christmas

catch me unawares

with unexpected joy,

with hope dancing round

each corner, with promises

of heart’s desires found,

with children’s off-key

songs  that strike all

the right notes in my heart.

I’d rather Christmas bring me

flowers in the rain,  

hot cocoa and cookies,

friends to share them,

and finally

peace,

joy,

and love, always love

(the only certainty I need.)

Merry Christmas.