The Christmas trees illumine the space around me, the golden streamers stream above. The feel of this warm sanctuary is cozy, restful, and peace-filled.

I feel relaxed.

I feel like something deep within me is being re-worked to become attentive and able to respond to the needs of others around me once this sanctuary grace ends. Each breath of air brings in a flavor of grace, a coolness that refreshes my soul deep within – like when you inhale when you’re enjoying a candy cane, a cool freshness descends within you.

I want to write out the feel I feel at this moment, but I can’t grasp the words. It’s illusive.

All that comes to mind are the lyrics of a song I heard a few years ago: “Surely God is in this place, with us now. Surely God is in this place, with us, now.” (Steven Iverson).