Doodler
Joy
I hear Joy to the World
I am a young girl in a Christmas pageant
Miniature wise men follow
A silver, glittery cardboard star
Excited I sing all of the words
Feeling God’s presence
In this holy, candle lit sanctuary.
I hear Joy to the World
In my college dorm
Following the days death toll
From Vietnam
Angry, I turn it off
And claim God’s absence
In the world and in my life.
I hear Joy to the World
As I hold my new baby
Marveling at the miracle of birth
Eager, I hum the words
And ponder
God’s existence.
I hear Joy to the World
Alone in my apartment
Separated from my child and her father
I remember joy and cry
Discouraged, I denounce the words
And vow to seek
Other spiritual paths.
I hear Joy to the World
As I run across the hospital parking lot
To see my dying sister
The last Christmas music she will hear
Desperate , I mock the words
And yell at God, asking
Where is there joy in the world?
I hear Joy to the World
Cuddling my granddaughters
Surrounded by family
Celebrating new life and love
Peaceful, I sing all of the words
And feel God’s presence
In this holy moment.
I hear Joy to the World
My wrinkled hands
Hold photos of loved ones
As I recall stories and laughter
I remember that candle lit sanctuary of my youth
The questions that always take me deeper
I silently give thanks for it all and quietly hum
Joy to the world.
Thank you, Doodler. That was just what I needed tonight.
Joy to the World is right! A real zinger to kick off Christmas Day!
This was so wonderful to read. Thank you for sharing.