A poem you could use before or during Advent, inviting people to slow down and receive the gift - the present - that Advent offers.

There is a PowerPoint, and also a Zip folder of square images you could share on social media.
 

There’s a present we’re offered in Advent, 
a gift that no money can buy. 
Amazon doesn’t stock it, 
Black Friday can’t flog it,
but its value no one can deny.

This gift doesn’t come in fine wrapping, 
it’s not covered in tinsel or bows. 
It’s not under the tree,
nor in ads on TV,
it’s not dusted with glitter or snow.

This gift is the gift of the present,
it’s the moment before us right now.
To open our eyes
to the fullness of life 
that’s available when we slow down.

Don’t be preoccupied with the future,
or get stuck in regrets of the past.
Don’t long for some gadget
you’ll regret once you have it,
it’s the gifts you can’t see that will last.

So plant yourself deep in this moment.
Give thanks for each blessing, each beat.
Be absorbed in the present,
it’s a gift straight from heaven.
This Advent, be content, be complete.