Contrasts

Thanksgiving has ushered in
the Christmas season.
I am sobered
not so much by the calories
I have consumed
or the prices in the mall
(although both are too high),
as by the contrasts I see.

There is plenty and want,
joy and grief,
love and hatred,
hope and despair,
the real and artificial.

Father, help me to see You
and to share Your love.
Move me to give as Your Son gave
when He willingly went
from the manger to the Cross.
Let there be a difference in me
that is visible and credible –
that points others to Jesus Christ,
the only Hope and Savior of mankind.