Making A List. . . Checking It Twice

The holiday that beats them all. . . Christmastime is here.

~

We decorate with ornaments

and create beauty with some bows

add twinkle with a string of lights

perhaps candles for their glow.

Put on some music, sing some songs

and then the day arrives

to feel the joy in opening

all that’s underneath the tree.

                    ~

Untie the satin ribbons, smooth as perfect peace.

Wide-eyed wonder of discovery

shines on all the little ones

and excitement is contagious as

they squeal with sheer delight.

                    ~

And what of “presents” that are shared not underneath a tree?

Some “treats” we taste and some we hear

still others must be seen. . .

                    ~

It’s time to bake. . . and many will be sure to make

some truly special meals

to share at family gatherings and with our dearest friends.

Cards we’ll send to show we care.

Some surprises we’ll receive.

We’ll take some pictures, share our hearts

and cherished memories.

So many gifts that we can give

wrapped in kind―and then are signed―with truly tender words.

                    ~

In days of old the one we’ve known as jolly Santa Claus

was called in other cultures by a couple different names.

Traditions have varied. . . with stories quite quaint

Nicholas was a gift-giving saint. . .

But the treasure that means most to me

is the name of Father Christmas.

                    ~

You see there is a Source for us. . . for why we want to give

’cause it is said that every good and perfect gift

comes down from up above.

It’s wrapped in love by one whose gifts do surely not depend

on if you have been naughty. . . or if you’re really nice.

The Father of Lights accepted the price

of a perfect and willing sacrifice

so He could give each one of us―who chooses to delight

in One who’s known as Lord, as King―the desires of our heart

that we might be His living art. . . fulfill our destiny.

                    ~

A Psalmist wrote for us to taste and see that God is good.

What is it that. . . is on your list―your deepest heart’s desire

as you sit by a cozy and crackling fire,

drink eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider―

what do you long for when it’s Christmas?

                    ~

When I reflect on a season full. . . of celebrations grand

it came to me that meanings change

there is an origin to words―

that “holiday” in days of old. . . marked an honored sacred  time,

a “holy day” to be observed. . .

’twas something that, in all my years, I had never heard.

                    ~

So let the scent of pine remind me of

a Tree that gave me life. . .

a crackling fire. . . refine me as

the wise man’s purest gold

that I might be. . . a dazzling blaze

reminiscent of the burning bush in Moses’ days of old

and likewise I’ll not. . .  be consumed. . .  but rather be aflame

portrayed as fiery passion―’twas  the Love Jesus displayed. . .

                      ~

Soft candlelight to symbolize the dimly burning wick

which flickers as the promise that

no matter what life brings my way. . . the challenges I face

my light cannot extinguished be―no never be snuffed out.

And then there is the glistening snow,

given so that I’ll surely know

there is a pristine white. . . to remind me of a Spotless Robe

Christ’s righteous gift for me to wear―

the kind of news that truly is my privilege to share.

                    ~

In the quiet and the stillness of the middle of the night

I’m reminded of that holy birth. . .

the only Source of pure and perfect lasting peace

we long to be established in

our hearts and in our minds

so it can then be spread across. . .

                                                             the whole. . .

                                                                                    entire. . .

                                                                                                   earth.

Denise Rowe

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One Comment

  1. Brend Greene
    December 13, 2017
    Reply

    Beautifully put. Merry Christmas.

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