Preparing

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Luke 22:7-13


Preparing

Scraps of wrapping paper
everywhere is signs of preparing
lights and decorations
trees and stockings time
has come to get ready.

We labor through rough weather
early austere darkness
long lines early mornings
we are getting ready together.

Children tense and reckless
concerts and poems planned
awkward clothes and family
moments we all wish would
not stifle our enthusiasm.

The green and red are insistent
the cash getting too low
the desire of all to lavish
to demonstrate love by gifts
that delight and awe.

The only true preparation done
is by the angels and a pair
of frightened expecting parents
lost in a strange city
homeless, hungry and alone.

No one to call for help
no shop to send round meals
a simple stable straw oats
a rough bed and humble home
and love comes through to live
Emmanuel, God with us
despite our preparations.