Christmas Reflection

I wrote this--with an unrefined ear, and not with much technical expertise--as a submission to a poetry competition for our church Christmas party. There were 25 entrants, and we had a lot of fun (as we read them one by one). There were categories for humorous, creative, charming, elegant, and theologically rich. I was impressed by the wit and biblical literacy, as well as the writing ability of the contestants. There were great prizes, but I walked home empty-handed; I got creamed by a bunch of homeschooled children and younger adults. Which is a great sign of the effectiveness of their parents' efforts to educate them. Our church advent messages focused on John 1:1-18, the poetic prelude to the book of John, so that some of those ideas seeped into my poem and those of the other participants. How about your funny, charming, and/or theologically rich poem? Share in the comments!

Christmas Reflection

The songs, the trees, the festive mood, The gifts, the games, the best of food. That book, that doll, your favorite toy, Indeed He gives richly all things to enjoy.

But in cozy homes, by flickering fires, Under soft warm blankets the winter requires We come more to love that quiet part Where we think on truths that warm the heart.

While the Christmas fun is real and true, There are added riches for me and you: Each lovely part speaks to more in store– Thank God “Deck the Halls” is not all it’s for.

The gifts that we anticipate Are the giving of Himself–and His coming we await. The sharing of presents, of what we hold dear– Think of His sacrifice, to draw us near.

The cascading bows, reds, silvers, greens? The beauty of grace, abounding, it means. Our families that we love, all around? Our blood-bought brethren–once lost, now found.

The feasting foreshadows another celebration When His bride, pure as snow, will be from every nation. The lights are the Light of the World John proclaimed, The evergreen tree–us raised with Him, unashamed.

And, when we see Him, as He is To realize that glorious plan of His, Then our Christmas lights become but a reflection, Glowing gaudy in the radiance of His perfection.