THIS CHRISTMAS

We unpack decorations, we light up the tree,

all the time thinking how happy we’ll be,

when we finally sit down to savor it all,

the laughter, the love, the sweet folderol.

But what is the “this” of this Christmas for you,

What is the bliss beneath all that you’ll do?

For some it’s the glitz, the glitter, the glam,

For some it’s the hustle, for some it’s the ham, 

For some it’s the chance to make merry, be wild, 

For some it’s the shepherds, the manger, the Child. 

It’s hearing a story as old as the hills

while gathered ‘round carols in halls decked with frills.

But what about those for whom Christ isn’t real,

If Christmas is Christmas we care how they feel.

For Christian and Jew, Muslim and None, 

all celebrations of life, of love, are but one.

Let’s ponder with Mary the bigger "Yes!" here;

true Christmas bliss can be shared far and near.

Isn’t this just what our world needs today,

and isn’t this “this” what Christ came to convey?

So let’s gift each “other” all the peace love can bring, 

now that’s a song even angels can sing.