Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights
Photo by Mei

Christmas comes, Christmas stays
This season and everyday.

In the darkness of night,
Rising star guides the way
To the place where peace is,
In our hearts on this very day.

At the break of dawn,
Radiant sun reigns the day
Divine Light, Eternal Truth,
Giver of life, justice shines.

O Love unbounded, blesses us all
An encounter with the Light
As we walk in this life,
Journeying home back to You.

Christmas comes and Christmas stays.

Writer's Notes
The above set of verses was written with inspirations from the Christmas video message from Father Rothan, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey, the front page article “Christmas Lights Reflect Truth that Christ is Light of World, Pope Says” by Cindy Wooden of Catholic New Services found on The Catholic Witness December 20, 2013 Volume 45, Number 25 and the homily of Pope Francis on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the Midnight Mass (24 December 2013).

While its first draft was completed on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the final draft was later edited for posting on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Pictured is Mei’s very own decorated tabletop Christmas tree. The photo was edited using Google+ photo.

Peace on Earth

Peace rains on earth today
God is with us, Emmanuel!

Christmas Day 2013

Writer's Notes
Originally written on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Bốn tuần Mùa Vọng đón Giáng Sinh
Hân hoan mừng Chúa giáng sinh ra đời.

The Greatest Gift of All

The greatest gift of all is you, my Lord, on this Christmas Day
Like the sun will always shine, give life to earth, as it always be
You have given me everything I need — what can I ask for more?
That the Spirit of Love will be with me until the eternal day
Thanks be to God, our Father, for the greatest gift of all.

Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Poinsettia Photo by Mei

Writer’s Notes:
The above verses originated during the week leading to the First Sunday of Advent as I was reflecting on the meaning of Christmas and coming upon the realization that:

The Christmas present is Christ Himself, and that Christ is love!
Món quà Giáng Sinh chính là Chúa Kitô, và Đức Kitô là tình thương!

The photo was edited using Instagram filter.

Let us adore Him

Adore Photo by Mei

Trong không gian tĩnh lặng
Của giá lạnh đêm đông
Mục đồng yên giấc ngủ

Gia đình ông Giô-sép
Dừng chân xin quá lộ
Nơi máng cỏ hang lừa

Nữa đêm hào quang sáng
Bà Ma-ri chuyển dạ
Sinh hạ bé Giê-su

Thời gian như ngưng lại
Thiên thần báo tin vui
Đấng cứu sinh chào đời!

Mục đồng kia tỉnh giấc
Tìm về hướng Bê-lem
Ngắm Chúa sinh hài đồng.

Christmas Eve 2012

Writer’s Notes:
When I was young, my Dad used to tell me the Nativity story at Christmas. As I grow up, I have a chance to read and listen to the Scripture readings and homilies on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and that I have been mesmerizing ever since... On this occasion, I take up on the opportunity to retell that same story through my very own simple, rustic, yet sincere Vietnamese verses of poem that were written and completed during the past month. It is a gift that I would like to present to God and to share with you all the warmth and happiness of a family on this Christmas Day.

Từ nhỏ Mỹ thường được ba của Mỹ kể cho nghe câu chuyện đêm Giáng Sinh vào mỗi dịp Noël về. Đến khi lớn lên thì Mỹ được đọc, được nghe trong các bài đọc và bài giảng Phúc Âm về gia đình Thánh gia mà Mỹ vẫn còn mesmerizing mãi cho đến tận bây giờ... Nay Mỹ có cơ hội để thuật lại câu chuyện ấy qua lời thơ mộc mạc, giản đơn và chân thành của chính mình được viết và hoàn tất vào khoảng một tháng trước. Đó là món quà mà Mỹ xin dâng lên Chúa và cùng chia sẻ đến với tất cả mọi người cái hạnh phúc bình dị và ấm áp của gia đình nhân dịp lễ Giáng Sinh.

The photo was edited using Instagram filter.