Do NOT Quench the Spirit

Do Not Quench the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5: 19

(from an Improbable Gift by Maren Tirabassi and Joan Jordan Grant)

I will not quench the Spirit

with fruitcake and cookies, 

mistletoe and presents,

parties and poinsettias,

firelight and pine. 

I will not quench the Spirit

with eggnog and memories,

tinsel and wrappings, 

Amahl and O. Henry,

Nutcracker and Scrooge. 

I will not quench the Spirit 

with greeting cards and wassail,

reindeer and Bing Crosby,

snowfall and sleigh rides, 

solstice and dark.

I will not quench the Spirit

even with Advent wreaths, 

manger-words, angel-song,

even with pageants and Magi-stars, 

with the running of shepherds, 

and the fearful hopes of all the years, 

even with caroling in nursing homes, 

and toys given to children who are poor, 

even with Christmas Eve midnight, 

candleshine and prayer. 

I will not quench the Spirit --

I will be still in the presence 

of birth.