Thank God There’s Christmas

   ‘Tis the season to be in a hurry,

   With high expectations that cause us to worry.

   There’s inside and outside home decorations,

   Baking and party preparations.

   Long lines at stores, requiring a wait,

   No time for lunch -- I’m going to be late!

   Emails and cards to send cheery greetings,

   Juggling schedules to arrange family meetings.

   Electronic screens demand prompt attention,

   With requests and ads too many to mention.

   How can one take a “silent night” pause,

   Amid elves on shelves and Santa Claus?

   Thank God for Advent, the prompt to sit still;

   Sing hymns of promise and pray for God’s will.

   Immanuel with us, Christ gave up his throne,

   To serve us, save us, and make us His own.  

   His life a reminder to teach us to cope,

   God’s forgiveness restoring our hope.

  

  Thank God for Christmas amid worldly strife,

   Where wars and addictions take away life.

   When angry responses are commonly heard,

   Rudeness surrounds us, ne’r a kind word.

   Some bosses resemble cruel task-masters,

   And cities destroyed in natural disasters.

   Loved ones pass on to leave us in grief,

   Our crying and striving can’t give relief.

   Thank God there’s Christmas, the miracle birth,

   God became man to walk on this earth.

   Traditions of children’s practiced rehearsals,

   Reciting like angels to share Bible verses.

   Family traditions of faith and food sharing,

   Gifts chosen and given, demonstrate caring.

   Despite heartache and chaos that darken our night

   The Bethlehem star still fills us with Light.