A Danish Christmas Tale (Chapter 3)

Hello All,

Have you ever been disappointed with the poor number of attendance for an occasion?

Have you ever thought to yourself that, ‘It is just us and the four walls’?

A Danish Christmas Tale

Chapter 3: ‘Just Us and the Four Walls’

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (17 October 2016)

Dedicated to a dear friend who inspired the poem.

The sound of footsteps echoed from the empty hall

'It looks like we have others coming after all'

Ashley said, 'It won’t be just us and the four walls'

Walking towards their direction were Claire and Paul

'Well, good morning,' said Claire, a cousin of Ashley

'Good morning. What brings you and Paul here so early?'

Ted asked Claire who was not known for punctuality

'Claire wanted to join the protest but thankfully

I managed to coax her to attend church instead

For we never know what dangers may lie ahead

In this sensitive and controversial parade'

Paul, who had been married to Claire for four years, said

Claire said, 'Instead of fighting for democracy

I thought it would be of more benefit to me

To stand up for women's rights and equality'

Her emerald green eyes beamed enthusiastically

Claire inquired, 'Where is Aunt Laura, by the way?'

Ashley said, 'Mum will come on time with no delay

Not a minute earlier or later, I must say

She never fails to come on time every Sunday'

Ted exclaimed, 'Oh well, here comes your dearest mother!'

Laura said, 'The streets are crowded with protesters!

Tell me, how did you and Ted manage to enter?'

'Well, through the back door of the church,' was Claire's answer

'Oh yes, that obscure door,’ Laura said knowingly

‘Should we wait a while for more to come?’ asked Ashley

‘Or it’ll just be us and the pews!’ said Claire candidly

‘Us and God. Let’s wait a while,’ said Ted hopefully

TO BE CONTINUED…

Points for Reflection:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

(Matthew 1:23 ESV)

·         Immanuel means God with us. Jesus is the Word who came to earth as a Baby and dwelt among man. It is through Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit dwells in those who trust in Him.

·         However, it is all too natural for us to forget that God is with us. Ashley and Claire were concerned that they were the only ones gathered for the church service and they subconsciously forgot that God was with them.

·         Are there times in your life when you forget that God is with you? Does it often feel that it is just you against the world?

·         The next time you feel that way, just remember that God is always with you and you do not have to fear what comes your way, no matter how daunting it may be.