What I Saw

It was not the first time, nor would it be the last time that I would observe with pleasure that which I am privileged to see only once a year. It was Sunday morning as I drove to church. There is no other day like this one in America and much of the world. It was no surprise to me. It's just that I will never get used to it. I'm sure you saw it also in your neighborhood. The two major grocery stores in my community were closed, one of which is normally open 24/7. Some service stations and drug stores were opened, and so were the 711 convenience stores, but the major shopping centers were all closed. Sundays are generally tamer than other days, but this Sunday was more than tame. The massive parking lots were empty, and today is truly in a deep state of rest with most of its activities curtailed. I only wish I had a picture of those empty parking lots. . Today, the absence of commerce, shopping, and the empty parking lots were in their own way making a declaration. They were speaking with one voice and saying, "A child was born many years ago, and today we celebrate his birth"! Many people are going to church today who otherwise would not be attending. This group will make special efforts to attend church either out of tradition, or because they believe that a special child was born. Some will renew or change their minds and recommit to continue going to church. Perhaps you were thinking that I saw some miraculous event or cited an angelic occurrence. Maybe you are thinking that I saw a magnanimous random act of kindness. Could it be that you assumed I witnessed a special sun rising or a special cloud formation? No, none of the above were things that caused me to pause or stare, or become afraid and overwhelmed. Nevertheless, I observed and took note of a miracle that caused commerce to take a break. That is scary. I also cited the calming tide of inactivity in my route to church as if the angelic host had spoken pause to the atmosphere. The very solemnity and tranquility of a morning like this has already shown to me that the child has shone brighter than the sun in the hearts of millions, and like a beautiful slow-moving cloud, a love haven for him has been formed in the hearts of mankind the world over. And today, the world that I witnessed, paused and bowed at his feet. His name is Jesus. Written 12272011; Edited and posted to PS 12112015; Contest, What Christmas Means To You, NA; 2nd contest entry, Christmas Poem, old or new, Constance La France. 2P