Angels Still Appear

Angels still appear to those

ready to receive blessings

in spite of the barren

impossibility of their lives.

Elizabeth still recognizes Jesus

and calls him Lord,

receiving him to her heart,

in spite of the distraction

of her own blessing.

Blessings still come

to those who believe

that nothing is impossible

in the hand of God.

Mary still gives birth,

not just every Advent,

Mary still gives birth

each day to this Child

who advents into hearts,

unexpectedly and forever.

Herods still live who

would kill this Child,

but Mary and Joseph

still flee into the desert,

and the night,

to protect the One

given into their keeping.

Doors still slam in the

inns of this world,

Herods still plot to kill,

deserts and darkness

still threaten our safety,

but God still lives.

In spite of war and terror,

Mary gives birth

to the Prince of Peace.

In spite of hunger,

Mary gives birth

to the Bread of Life.

In spite of lost sheep,

Mary gives birth

to the Good Shepherd.

In spite of hearts

pregnant with hatred,

Mary gives birth to LOVE.

It is not done!

It is not done!

It is not done!

The birthing is not over.

The blessings continue.

Angels wait in the wings!

"Angels Still Appear" by Ann Weems in From Advent's Alleuia to Easter's Morning Light (2010)