Not Too Poetry

Christmas can be a time when families get together:
Young children scream, wine glasses gleam,
waiting for M&S dinner.

The TV’s in the corner re-running Home Alone,
Heart radio’s in the kitchen, Chris Rea’s driving home…
again.

The toddlers find the wrapping more engaging than the Duplo
Teen couples find the company less of interest than their own.

The dog’s confused and excited with so many different sources
of scratches and pats, she can’t relax,
her whining is remorseless.

Christmas can be a time when families are missed,
the parcel made last post winging off to little sis.

Zoom will come in handy to laugh across the miles,
the screen will mask the tears and focus on the smiles.

Christmas can be a time when budgets get stretched tight,
cash pressures get to breaking point and prompt senseless fights.

Some focus on opportunity to spend some gilt-free money,
the only prayers are for extra hours and a faster Tesco trolley.

For others it’s simply ‘ Yuletide’, an excessive celebration,
a winter feast, all you can eat, give in to all temptation.

Most focus on the family, even more on the gifts;
there’s little time for Jesus assigned amongst the myths.

Some do sing of Lord Jesus in half forgotten carols,
they know there’s something more than donkeys and angel heralds.

And there He is in the middle, noticed once in a while;
it’s His birthday, but all He’s getting is half-hearted songs and smiles.

But He’s no longer a babe in a manger, He’s now a resurrected King,
And he waits for you who would worship to stand and welcome Him in.

Christmas can be a time for each of us to choose –
Our one true King stands waiting; will we worship Him in truth?