Peter Millar

Are the longings of our hearts,
so strange,
so misguided,
so out of touch with our times?
We who companion the forgotten:
who seek the healing of nations:
who cry for justice:
who struggle for peace:
who envision a different world.

Are we mad
to speak of hope
as thousands die in the flames of violence?

Be still, my friend
and celebrate your sanity!
Keep to that path
where the Spirit befriends us,
for millions walk with us
and share our dreams.

And millions more
find their hope,
and courage to go on,
when we
live out
these deep and precious
longings
of our hearts
which come from God.

(Christmas 2006)