Giving in Secret

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:1-6

Giving in Secret

The world took no notice of them
a donkey carrying a pregnant teenager
a husband bent with fear
furiously begging for shelter.

The reporters and photographers
never came to witness him
the press thought nothing of it
our king born where they won't go.

We yearly dramatize the humble scene
and decorate our homes for show
we spend and throw our dollars around
and sing carols to unknown neighbors.

The small little family calls us
to God's heart of hearts
where there is no recognition or reward
but love's ongoing thanksgiving.

We are invited to live as midwives
as stage managers and servants hidden
in the back rooms and dark back stages
always grateful for the love.