describes a natural place at Christmas time where the sacred was sought. I counted the 12 days, and then into Epiphany. My desire was to give Lent its own experience and look towards Easter. Here is the Christmas poem for 2001. Natural Places With Sacred Quality Jan 3, 2001 Winter Sunlight Brightens the Path; Tenth Day of Christmas On Day Ten Winter sunlight brightens the path. Seek peace in knowledge, He is with us: midmorning light. The pilgrim witness to Yes, creation-beauty You in Godhead are indivisible Triune starry night before. Soothing friendly good earth. Perfect man, perfect God walk with us. Reminder ever the sound of love: gift. Twelve days, festival time of sacred: holiday. This is the way where He is with us. The days. Day ten midmorning walk revealing the white light; angels witness to Yes. Morning Before Winter Awakening with dawn This is another day of creation Birds are awake, sunrise comes Walkers are already out taking their morning stretch. Checking the morning sounds Knowing the week is awakening and the day is here. This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad in it. First prayer of praise and thanksgiving begins in looking forward and saying good morning. Act of recollection begins. Catch fish of the mind. (CAPTION) Built in the 18th century, the present Carmelite Basilica of Stella Maris, on Mount Carmel, was built on the ruins of a Crusader church. On the altar is this statue of Mary, sculpted from cedarwood. Deep inside the church is a grotto that the Prophet Elijah used for prayer. Haifa Photo: Anonymous