O Little Lord of Christmas

This is the second time that I have posted this poem. It was on December 24th of last year when I included it as a part of my daily blog. It is by far my favorite Christmas poem. I believe it speaks directly to the tension that exists between the pagan portion of our celebration that we all enjoy as a part of our Christmas celebration and the spiritual portion – as the popular phrase has it, “The reason for the season.” Every time I read it I am brought back to the reality of my spiritual journey.

O LITTLE LORD OF CHRISTMAS

On Christmas Eve they filled the house, some fifty guests all told.
(O little Lord of Christmas, were you left out in the cold?)

And ate and sang, played cards and danced till early morning light.
(O little Lord of Christmas, did they think of you that night?)

Next morning came the presents on a glittering Christmas tree.
(O little Lord of Christmas, was there any gift for thee?)

The dinner was a Roman feast, and how those guests did eat!
(O little Lord of Christmas, were you hungry in the street?)

Then came some teas, a movie, and at night the last revue.
(O little Lord of Christmas, what had these to do with YOU?)

By midnight all were tired and cross and tumbled into bed.
(O little Lord of Christmas, did they think that you were dead?)

They all woke up with headaches and no joy in work or play.
(O little Lord of Christmas, did they mark your birth that day?)

The love, the joy were good, no doubt: the rest a pagan spree.
(O little Lord of Christmas, let us keep the day with THEE!)

Quote for today: To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year. E. B. White

Bumper Sticker: WARNING! Reality can cause stress!