THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

behind trees aglow with radiant light
behind all those festive ornaments bright...

behind strands of tinsel—like angel hair
behind oversized stockings hung up with care...

behind presents wrapped up in colorful array
behind seasonal wreaths put up for display...

behind carols sung by a choir so sweet
behind mounded platters of holiday treats...

behind decorations of red and green
behind hand-carved miniature nativity scenes...

behind those cold-nipped cheeks so rosy
behind blazing yuletide fires so cozy...

behind all the frenzied hustle and bustle
behind the sluggish shopping crowd shuffle...

behind the rush of last minute details
behind the deadline to get the cards mailed...

behind the short tempers that sometimes flare up
behind angry feelings that suddenly erupt...

behind countless things still left undone
no wonder this season's not very much fun!

how could this season be much of joy
when I can't even assemble this new-fangled toy?

I wonder if anyone could honestly find
genuine reasons to be loving and kind...

and as I ponder this lack of joy in my soul
I realize I've forgotten this season's true goal...

because the true meaning of Christmas you see
was wrapped up in the babe of the nativity...

for unto us that night a Son was given
who would die for us all and open up heaven...

angels proclaimed the dear Savior's birth
reminding me clearly of this season's true worth...

for God gave the most precious gift he could give
the gift of his Son so that all men may live

a new life without end with joy so divine
that Christmas could be a more meaningful time...

so when the holiday strain gets too great
with gifts still unwrapped and the hour growing late

the Prince of Peace wants to calm all the fuss
and renew the right meaning of Christmas...in us!

by Joseph Ostrander