Be aware

Watch ourselves. Jesus
warns to keep faith, unfailing
in constant duty.

Let us continue
to love and serve and praise God.
This is the Kingdom

he preaches: this the
Way, this is Him among us.
Lord Emmanuel.

Advent. Watching.

Once, there were shepherds.
Keeping guard with vigilance,
as if over prison inmates.

A job quietly,
so unobtrusively done.
Accepting of a humble life.

When they were alone
on that dark, lonely hillside
did they remember prophecies?

Living simple lives
of hardship and solitude
there was only obedience.

May I too keep guard
against selfishness and greed
so I, perhaps, might hear angels.