Christmastime

By G. E. Shuman

Snowflakes sparkle in the sun;

Wind-whipped wonders, winter fun.

Bright blue skies, so crystal-clear

Signs that Christmastime is here

Decorations: lights and holly

Words like ‘Santa,’ ‘elves,’ and ‘jolly’

Peace on earth, and Christmas cheer,

Are what people seek, each year.

Traffic bustling, shoppers scurrying

Wishing they could end their hurrying.

And find meaning in their trying

To complete their Christmas buying.

While still missing the true worth

Of the finest gifts on earth.

His great blessings, all around;

Stop and look, they can be found.

Church bells clanging, Christians singing,

Hugs from friends, good-wishes-bringing

Family gatherings, feasts and laughter,

And a fire, to warm us, after.

Evergreens to scent each dwelling,

Sights and sounds, tradition, telling

How each home, in its own way

Honors this new Christmas Day.

Brass chimes tinkling, bells a-ringing

Choirs of children, sweetly singing,

Voices all, to heaven raising,

Grateful, heart-felt Christmas praising.

Worlds are circling countless suns.

Life and love may cling to some.

If they do, they share the glory

Of our own world’s Christmas story.

Their bright sun; a star to earth,

May have once proclaimed a birth.

Shining bright, on manger stall,

And the babe, who made it all.