‘Twas a month before Christmas
And all through the land
Mad dashing and prancing
The party people did plan
30 days to go, and oh how I wish it was just one
Christmas is coming, and OH – such fun!
Carols and rhymes and stories we know
From headphones, chambers and maybe even a show
Baby Jesus, Princess Elsa, Tiny Tim and co
Are the cast of the season with or without snow
We send cards and gifts wrapped up in bright bows
And squeal over Santa’s secrets now told
We make time for each other, in a way that’s unique
A week of Saturdays to rest, ponder and yep, eat
Turkey with all the trimmings – or quorn for the veggies
A time to eat, drink and be merry (sorry: I had to put that in there)
Mistletoe kisses we lovingly sneak, with
Fireside treats in our hands and fluffy socks on our feet
To tell you the truth,
I am one of the greatest Christmas-enthusiasts of all,
But….
This isn’t why I love Christmas,
No, not at all.
These things are no more than accoutrements or habiliments or instruments, even
To something much greater, which was there first and will be later
Love come to Earth, God revealed to man
Darkness pierced by unquenchable light
The promise of cries, laughs, silence and questions understood
Emmanuel.
So however you choose to celebrate this great story
I hope you find love, peace and lots of joy
A celebration of a great hope
Unreliant on tinsel, choirs or cinnamon-scented soap.
Image credit: Justin in SD via flickr cc