Today is the winter solstice, so perhaps no more appropriate poem than At the Winter Solstice by Jane Kenyon, which can be found here

The poem reflects the truth that nativity plays have a habit of taking place at, or very close to, the winter solstice.  It has become a favourite poem of mine, so a little bit self-indulgent maybe?

I think the photo was in Glasgow Central Station, but my memory is a bit fuzzy!  It was certainly on public display in Glasgow in a simpler time.

Here is the prayer...

God of times and seasons,

On this shortest of days - at least in the northern hemisphere of this planet we call home -

In this week when pre-Christmas activity usually reaches its peak,

Help us, if only in our memories,

To savour afresh the joy of the nativity play- wonky halos and muffed lines,

Of proud parents, watching misty-eyed

As the darkness is dispelled by the glory of Christ's light

Amen