![](https://themillbrookindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/creche.jpg)
by Kevin T McEneaney
There’s a compelling need for ritual
bringing us back to the center of self
where music reverberates in the soul,
creating our identity and smile.
This is especially true at Christmas
with myths of journey and camaraderie.
We assemble, affirming the story:
search for shelter, lighting candle in dark,
humble shepherds on hills, birth in a barn,
soft manna of snow, bright stars up above.
We are all reborn in holy aura
of joyful Christmas song with each other.