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 wrapped . . .
and carefully stacked
underneath an evergreen
called a Christmas tree.
~
Untie the satin ribbons, smooth as perfect peace.
Wide-eyed wonder of discovery
(a postcard perfect lovely).
Bright eyes sparkle on the faces
of all the little ones
with excitement that’s contagious
as they squeal with sheer delight.
~
Then 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 that I may face
my light cannot be extinguished ― no never be snuffed out.
~
And then there is the glistening snow,
given so 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 wholly 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
Beautifully put. Merry Christmas.