This is the fourth in a series of poems about Christmas, this Christmas. Through the framing device of the five Advent candles that mark the progression of the season in various Christian traditions, they will attempt to speak the truth about Christmas in congregant care, both to and from those experiencing it.

 
IV. Peace.
 
I am afraid this time of year.
It is so dark, and then so bright
So happy, then suddenly sad
The music is always so loud
And the lights are always changing.
 
It gets inside my head and heart
‘Til they don’t know what’s happening
Everyone tells me to be glad 
Everyone tells me I should sing,
Says ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is no peace.
 
I think I need to be alone
I need to sit in a corner
On the bare flat unmoving floor
I need to stare at just one thing
Not see, hear, think of any else.
 
So I go into my corner,
And I wait for the Lord to come:
Small enough for me to carry 
Plain enough for me to look at
Quiet enough for me to hear
 
With the peace only he can give.