Christmas Eve Program

Here it is, a couple of days late: 

CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM

Magic it was for us children,

chattering in the Ford’s back seat,

driving through snow light as linen,

with heated bricks warming our feet.

We made it to church just in time

to hear the steeple bells ringing.

We slipped in before the last chime,

happily joining the singing.

I tried very hard not to fidget,

all dressed up in my new red dress.

Mama’s picture in my locket--

I promised her to do my best.

I stepped forward, into the light,

reciting from Luke, chapter two,

all about that magical night

when Jesus came for me and for you.

Shepherds portrayed by the big boys;

Mary, by a ten-year old child.

Toddlers gave baby Jesus toys,

while grandparents looked on and smiled.

We gave our Sunday School teacher

a hanky and a pretty card.

Fat oranges from the preacher

were handed out in the churchyard.

Back in our car, our bricks cold,

singing with glee kept us warm,

 with all of the joy we could hold—

anew in our hearts, Christ is born!

Note:  This poem took first place in the December challenge.

Christmas poems

Here it is, the eve of Christmas eve!  It seems to come earlier every year.  Here is a poem I've written on the subject.

What is it about December

that amplifies expectations?

Most Christmases I remember

left me pondering these questions.

Why do we scurry store to store

buying our kids shiny new toys?

They have so much but still want more

of things that all make lots of noise.

We tell them absurd fairy tales

of Santa Claus and helper elves.

We build them up but it all fails

to thrill while we wear out ourselves.

We try instilling magic into lives

who already are full of stuff.

Get down to basics; what survives

is knowing we all have enough.

Hear the true meaning of Christmas:

No magic here, but history.

Earthmaker’s Son, alive in us.

Heaven touched earth. Sweet mystery!