T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
was anywhere to be found.
The people were all busy
with Christmas time chores
Like decorating, and baking,
and shopping in stores.
No one sang "Away in a manger,
no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santa
dressed-up in bright red.
Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour
the presents they'd wrap
When what from the TV
did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. which told
of a big sale at Sears.
So away to the mall
they all flew like a flash
Buying things on credit
and others with cash!
And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.
Their lives were so busy
with their Christmas time things
No time to remember
Christ Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember
who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior
they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time
to "Shop til they dropped!"
On Wal-mart! On K-mart!
On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!
A quick lunch at Denny's
From the big stores downtown
to the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,
and visit them all!
And up on the roof,
there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights
up on his brand new step ladder.
He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...
Light of the World.
Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,
overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy
some good nights!
Author Unknown
It is good to remember, that Christmas is not only about shopping, cooking, making cookies, decorating the house. It is good to have this special time in the year, to remember, that the Christ can be newborn each day in each of us.
Merry Christmas to all. May the love of Jesus Christ fill your hearts with joy and peace at Christmas and always.
Visit Spiritual Sundays for more weekend blessings, hosted by Charlotte and Ginger.
19 comments:
This is amazing, Virginia!! Wow, I love the part where it mentions the stores--so clever...It gives us all pause to stop and think of the meaning of this special holiday in a deeper way....
And I love your blog header...so gorgeous!!
XO
Hi Virginia,
Thank you for sharing this poem which honestly and vividly portrays what happens when one loses the true meaning of this time of year. I can remember Christmas times described in this poem. I'm so very thankful that I have joy for the simple gift of eternal life. I say simple as if sacrificing one's son is easy, but that's what God did for us.
So I'm filled with joy and not the anxiety and stress of sales and buying sprees. Having family and friends who love me and knowing God cares about me is the greatest gift I could want or need.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
This is such a sobering piece. Thank you for sharing! I plan to pass it on.
Hi Virginia. I'd never heared that poem before and love it. I'm retired from owning a large gift store that was a very busy winter wonderland at Christmas. I'm especially thankful to be able to enjoy the true meaning of the season.
Sadly this version of the story is all too true too many times. Thank you for this reminder of what Christmas is really all about.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Well said!
Excellent post. Good thoughts that we all need to have on our minds. Thank you.
Virginia...your last few lines are the best and the poem...sadly is too true. Hope you have a great weekend.
This is so true! Love your post!
Be sure to stop by, my 2nd Hand Collections Party has begun!
Hugs- Tete
This is wonderful! I've never seen it before. Thank you for sharing this important message with us. I plan to pass it on.
Christmas blessings,
Sandi
That was a pretty true adaption of what Christmas is like nowadays. Really gets you thinking. Have a blessed Sunday.
This is so true. Thanks for sharing.
How true and sad that is. God have mercy on our country. Jesus is the reason for the season.
We are snowed in this Sunday morning, so I am totally enjoying the Spiritual Sundays posts. A few years ago, we stopped excessive shopping. Amazing how much more time we have to really celebrate the true gift of Christmas now! Merry Christmas!
Working at a grocery store this time of year I see the financial burden on so many people.They sure don't have the joy of Christ in their hearts.Like the poem said it's about buying this and that and making everything perfect no matter the cost.This poem makes me sad.
God Bless,
Ginger
Sad but so true.....double sad because it is true also of so many within God's Body The Church.
Thank you, Virginia. What a cute and wonderful way to remind us about the truth of Christmas.
Wishing you a very peaceful and joyous Christmas Virginia.
Great Post Virginia..
Merry Christmas to you and your family.. God Bless
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