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Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2011-12-04 05:39 PM

A Christmas Tale

Once upon a bright, shining star,
People gathered from near and far...
To celebrate in joy, to sing,
The birth of Him who would be King.
Showering gifts, some must've thought
Their place in heaven could be bought.
For when he grew up commonplace,
Doubt soon lined many a man's face.

But through wisdom and peace, so pure,
His true love for us would endure.
As He taught to "Love one another,
Every man's, indeed, your brother.”
He took with sinners that the Word
Of God in heaven be offered,
And to show us the only Way
Was the true Christ, born Christmas Day.

When He toppled the marketplace
In His Father's house for its disgrace,
Religious leaders were distraught,
And so many began to plot
A Way to have Jesus destroyed…
For the “disrespect” He deployed.
For what would you spurn paradise?
Thirty silver, the going price...

Jesus knew it would come to this,
In the garden, a traitor's kiss...
A crown of thorns, a cloak of shame,
Disciples who'd deny His name.
Guilty of no crime, yet convicted,
Death by crucifixion, inflicted.
Judas betrayed Him, I confess,
But I've seen it done for far less.

As even those who once embraced Him
Turned their backs, further defaced Him.
As the believers that once praised Him
Upon a deceiver's cross, raised Him…
As He asked forgiveness, even still,
For those of us blind to his will.
Tell me, is His Christmas gift now lost?
Has Santa Claus replaced the cross?

This Christmas, if you wish to give,
Remember who gave all, that we might live.

Michael R. Anderson

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

1 posted 2011-12-04 08:02 PM

Michael,

You blow me away with this one. I am keeping it - not only because it is fine poetry. But, also, because you nailed what I think - it's not about SC and what we get. It's about so much more - and so much more than receiving.

Thank you, my friend.

Alison

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

2 posted 2011-12-04 10:03 PM

Michael, my friend... I can't think of a more appropriate Christmas poem and sincerely wish each and every person would read it and take it to heart! The headlines here after Black Friday were all about the fights between shoppers and pepper-spraying incidents... something tells me there won't be any acknowledgement of the reason for the season in those households.

This has all the magnificent rhyme I've come to expect from your work... but it's the message that's supreme... and I thank you for it!

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

3 posted 2011-12-05 06:11 AM

It would be a shame if we were to become so callus. But I think the majority of the American public still believe in the Christmas story as first proclaimed. However, there are those who just don't seem to get it. And as suthern mentioned, the black Friday shoppers are getting more and more out of control. Or stupid.

Excellent read! Enjoyed this immensely.

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

4 posted 2011-12-05 11:06 PM

Well done, Michael. Jesus will always be the reason for the season to Christians..

Nicole
Senior Member

since 1999-06-23

Posts 1835
Florida

5 posted 2011-12-06 06:27 AM

Masterfully crafted as usual; you know how to bring it home.

martiniat8
Senior Member

since 2003-06-21

Posts 897
Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic

6 posted 2011-12-06 04:09 PM

Its interesting and I don't know how it happened, but Jesus WAS replaced by Santa Claus . Here in the Czech Republic, it is Jezisek (baby Jesus) who magically delivers the presents on Christmas Eve. St Nicholas, is a different person, Icon, celebrated on a different day, yesterday actually.

Somehow, the two legends were combined in the USA. Maybe it was because of the protestant movement and the resistance to acknowledging Saints or that the idea of baby Jesus flying into your house was too "unbelievable" I don't know how it happened, but it did.

So, here in the most Atheistic country in the world, they still celebrate baby Jesus on Christmas and Nativity scenes and crosses on the trees can be seen in the town squares everywhere.

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

7 posted 2011-12-06 06:11 PM

Alison, indeed, there is much lost on the true meaning of this holiday.

Ruth, I believe “Black Friday” is appropriately named.  A very dark day on my calendar.

JL, I’m glad you enjoyed the read and, indeed, hope “we” have not becomes that callus.  From my vantage point though, I see the scales tipping.

Balladeer, Amen.

Nicole, but what do I do with it once I get there?  :P

martiniat8,

quote:
So, here in the most Atheistic country in the world, they still celebrate baby Jesus on Christmas and Nativity scenes and crosses on the trees can be seen in the town squares everywhere.

That is amazing, and a true blessing… as well as the ironies of all ironies, isn't it?

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