A Christmas Wish

My Christmas tree sat for several weeks
  without an adornment for its crown.
  The traditional adornment just
  didn't feel right.

So, as with all things these days,
  I waited and watched to see
  what Spirit brought forth.

This morning, I knew what belonged
  in this place of honor.  It is my
  statue of Quan Yin.

Quan Yin is the feminine countenance of the Buddha.
  She is the goddess of love, mercy and compassion.
  
One story of Quan Yin features her
  about to enter the gates of Paradise.
  She heard a cry of anguish from earth,
  and in the compassion that is Quan Yin,
  she renounced her reward of bliss eternal
  to stand watch over those earthbound souls.

She stands ever at the ready to soothe
  broken hearts, touch gently those who cry,
  love without condition all who walk in this life.

She represents to me the spirit of this season.
  Unconditional love, compassion, kindness, mercy.
  Tender, gentle, sweet love for all earth-bound souls.

None are left untouched by her love.
  None have the wrong beliefs.
  None are judged unworthy.
  None have to deserve it.

All
  All of us
  Every last one
  is gifted with love,
  compassion, mercy.

All of us.

This is what Christmas means to me.
  Nothing else matters, only love.

So Quan Yin sits atop my tree
  this season, holding me and all
  in simple, gentle, life-giving love.

May she touch your heart this season.
   May you witness and feel and share peace.
   May you feel unconditional love and kindness.
   May your beliefs guide you to wisdom and grace.

Namaste