A Quiet Light in December

The bells are ringing, bright and fast,

A joyful echo from the past.

But when the world lights up in cheer,

It's harder to pretend you're near.

We see the lights upon the tree,

And think of what it used to be.

A chair sits empty, cold and still.

A space no simple gift can fill.

The carols bring a quiet rain.

A sudden, sharp, and silent pain.

We find your sweater, worn and soft,

And breathe a prayer up, high aloft.

It’s hard to laugh, it’s hard to smile,

When you are gone for quite a while.

But look around the loving faces,

And find your presence in these places.

For love is not a ribbon tied,

Or something that can ever hide.

It stays within us, warm and true,

The best and brightest part of you.

This quiet peace, this gentle grace,

It is the memory of your loving face.

We celebrate the light you sent,

A love that is not truly spent.