Christmas definition

As the peaks on Arran

are defined by their covering of snow

so our world is defined

by the coming of the Christ child.

Love blankets the world

inequalities are erased

unevenness smoothed over

harsh sounds become muffled

but only from a distance.

Close up, reality bites

and chill sets in

at the realisation

that the love that came to change the world

is being guarded

and hoarded

held in closed fists

instead of being spread across the world

And in the manger

the baby cries

just before he is plucked from his cradle

to flee from evil forces

those same forces

of power and greed

that still would freeze the world

in their grip

unless we release the love

that came down at Christmas.