I usually don’t join prompts or challenges, but a few days ago Living Poetry shared one and asked us to write a poem using the words religion, sit, and candle. I saw the word religion and knew I had to try. As I wrote, pieces from my last post, what I’m walking through now, and a bit of the Advent message all came together. The Spirit was moving, and I was grateful for what came out. I’m sharing it today, hoping it speaks to someone who needs it.
I sit in the dark and strike a match,
A quiet flame, a trembling spark.
A candle wakes the waiting room,
Soft light pushing back the dark.
I fall to my knees and whisper prayers,
Hoping the Lord will hear my plea.
Not for riches, not for gain,
Just mercy, strength, and healing to be.
Heal my family, calm our pain,
The sorrow heavy in our days.
Teach our hearts to prepare not for religion,
But for Your Son in humble praise.
For on that night, so still and small,
A Child was born, the world made new.
Redemption wrapped in fragile skin,
A living promise, strong and true.
I rise and sit beside my wife,
My sons close by, our hope restored.
The battle’s won, we did not fall,
Faith held firm, our hearts assured.
For a Child named Jesus came in love,
To carry every weight away,
And in His light, we stand in peace,
No longer lost, but saved.
Willie Torres Jr….
12/18/2025
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Willie Torres Jr. 
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