(Last year I wrote the first poem I have ever written. It was titled, “Twas the Day After Christmas”. Here is my second attempt at writing a Christmas poem. I hope you enjoy reading these words, and it will be a reminder of the real reason we celebrate this season.)

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town,

People were frantically scurrying around.

What were they doing? What was the hurry?

Where were they going? Why were they worried?

Some were looking for that one perfect gift

To give to that person they desired to impress.

But what do you give to the one whom you love?

A partridge in a tree and two turtle doves?

Oh, no, that’s a poem! Meaningless rhyme!

I must hurry! I don’t have the time,

To run to one store, and then to another,

Oh, why, oh, why, is this such a bother?

I look at the faces of others as they shop,

As I think to myself, “What is the point

Of all this commotion, all this stress?”

There must be more to December 25^th!

Exhausted and frustrated that I haven’t yet found

That one perfect gift as I’ve searched through the town.

I think to myself, “There has to be one.”

Then I hang my head, feeling totally outdone.

As I make my way to that next Christmas store

Thinking that surely I will find something there

I round the corner, and what do I see?

A gloriously beautiful nativity!

The sight caught my eye, I suddenly stopped,

Being quickly reminded exactly of what

All the commotion and fuss of the season was about

And it wasn’t about what I had been about!

It wasn’t about finding that perfect gift,

Because that gift had been given on December 25^th!

Long ago, in a manger far away,

In an animal trough a new-born baby lay.

His mother, Mary, was close by His side

Tenderly caressing His hands, feet, and eyes.

A precious baby boy, both human and divine,

Had been born that night in the town of Bethlehem.

As I stood there in silence, pondering this sight,

The answer came to me, in the stillness of the night.

Why was I so worried, so hurried, so stressed?

It makes no sense at all, since I already have the best!

Yes! The baby in that manger, He is the gift –

The most precious, perfect, amazing gift.

What could I give that would be better than this –

To show those I love what perhaps they have missed?

Perhaps they don’t know the real reason for the season.

All they know is that something is missing.

They don’t have the joy, the peace and the love

That comes from a relationship with that One

Who was born in that manger, long, long ago

To bring to sinful man the love of God!

So this Christmas season, the best I can give

Is to share with others this most amazing gift!

I want you to know Him, personally, for yourself,

By accepting God’s offer of His wonderful gift

That was given that night, long, long ago

In a manger in Bethlehem, with stars all aglow,

Announcing the birth of this new-born King

Who came into this world glad tidings to bring

Of grace, and peace, and mercy, and love,

The most perfect gift, sent from above.

That’s what this season is really all about.

So let’s be reminded, let’s focus our thoughts,

On the true meaning of Christmas, with the hope,

That those whom we love will accept this most perfect gift,

And then give it to others, as we celebrate His birth.

So now settle down, enjoy the sounds and the sights,

Wishing all a Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!