Created by Leslie Manning and presented at the Christmas Program, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013
\nT’was First Day before Christmas and all through the Meetinghouse<\/p>\n
Not a creature was stirring, not even the Meeting mouse.<\/p>\n
The Mitten Tree was hung by the doorway with care,<\/p>\n
In hopes that each knitter would donate a pair.<\/p>\n
Worshipers were nestled all snug on their benches,<\/p>\n
Musing on Quakers from Foxes to Denches.<\/p>\n
Nancy and Clarabel were planning to groove,<\/p>\n
While Sukie and Choir would get us to move.<\/p>\n
When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter,<\/p>\n
Some sprang from their seats to see what was the matter.<\/p>\n
And there, on a blanket of new fallen snow,<\/p>\n
Two weighty Friends were going at it, toe to toe.<\/p>\n
Oh, No! “We ought not have a program,<\/p>\n
A tree in the Meeting Room! We don’t have a liturgy,<\/p>\n
that’s gone – Just like Naylor’s groom.”<\/p>\n
“But, Friend, can’t you see we are all kinds of Quakers!<\/p>\n
If we don’t adapt, we’ll be gone – like the Shakers!”<\/p>\n
Right into that fray jumped a jolly old elf,<\/p>\n
Our own fount of wisdom, Margaret Wentworth, herself.<\/p>\n
“Christmas”, she said, “is more than the day.<\/p>\n
Christ’s birth is lived as a path, as a Way<\/p>\n
For all homeless parents to find room in our hearts,<\/p>\n
Whether out at a manger Or working at WalMarts.<\/p>\n
We are called to feed all of God’s children,<\/p>\n
Bellies and souls, so shall we fill them;<\/p>\n
To treat each other with love and respect,<\/p>\n
To offer to ease the weight of neglect.<\/p>\n
We don’t need a star to show us the Light,<\/p>\n
We know in our hearts to do what is right.<\/p>\n
So, friends, let us gather, As we do every week,<\/p>\n
And honor the meaning of<\/p>\n
“Let your life speak.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Created by Leslie Manning and presented at the Christmas Program, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 T’was First Day before Christmas and all through the Meetinghouse Not a creature was stirring, not even the Meeting mouse. The Mitten Tree was hung by … Continue reading