THE PRESENCE OF GOD THAT WE SEE

I searched for God where I thought I would find,
His spirit of love as a ghost,
A presence beyond the borders of man,
Yet a friend who was closer than most.

For Christmas was coming, the old would be new,
When darkness gives way to the dawn,
The moment when friendship is common to all,
When hope for the future is born.

Perhaps in the heavens, I sought Him in vain,
In a church, in a garden of rest.
I searched through the embers of sunset and then,
I came to the end of my quest.

When I met an old lady, a stranger no doubt,
But the smile that she gave me was free,
And I realised that friendship and love that is shared,
Is the presence of God that we see.

Whenever a hand on my shoulder will rest,
Or my burden be taken and shared,
I know that the presence of God is at hand,
For He's brought me to someone who cared.

A keepsake of friendship, a token of trust,
A kindness or hand given free,
Receiver or giver, what passes between,
Is the presence of God that we see.

Composed for the 1995 Carol Concert readings
at St. George's Hall, Liverpool. It was not accepted.

Michael Walsh
www.writingservicesandtranslations.wordpress.com