May 21, 2013

A Christmas Poem

I lay at rest in a peaceful state,                      

Tomorrow is Christmas and the children can’t wait.

The weather outside is crispy and clear.

The glow from the fireplace reflects in the mirror.

My eyes become heavy and my thoughts start to fade

But not before visions of my family invade.

Then a slight tap…tap…tap begins soft in my head,

It grows with intensity ‘til I rise from my bed.

I look to the window where the noise is abound,

In my grogginess and haste I step on the hound.

As I spy through the window the tap-tap fades away,

I’m staring at nothing and I like it that way.

Than a humorous thought comes to me from the past

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas it’s happening at last.

A slight chuckle slips out as I turn toward the bed,

The tap-tap starts again and it’s not in my head.

This time as I squint to see what is the cause,

I witness a sight but it’s not Santa Claus.

The stars have aligned to a wonderful scene,

A manger, a mother, a baby…a dream.

I blink my eyes twice and rub out all the sleep,

I look once again and the scene is more deep.

The wise men, the animals, and even the bright star

Have formed once again in the distance afar.

Now a message appears as the stars realign

God’s written word, what a wonderful sign.

This is My Son Whom I love and adore.

His birth was My gift to the rich and the poor.

So don’t lose your focus on this Christmas day

Remember your Savior and what He had to say.

There’s no greater gift from one friend to another

Than to lay down his life in place of the other.

Then as fast as it came it faded away

My nose pressed the window in hopes it would stay.

I made my way back to the bed in a fog

This time I made sure I stepped over the dog.

Then I sat very still my gaze circled the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Christmas Present-Christmas Past

Photo by Thomas Gaudet

Every year in December there is a quaint little town in Southern California that celebrates Christmas in a nostalgic style.  At sunset, the community starts to gather in and around the fire station.  Hot dogs, chips, and sodas are served to the guests by the firefighters who take the time to wish everyone a “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays”.

The people then stroll or are carried away in a horse drawn carriage or in an old fashion gas powered trolley to the businesses who have agreed to remain open.  This is where you may think, “Oh now I get it.  It’s about the businesses trying to cash-in on the holiday extravaganza.”  It’s true the stores are open for business but they are also offering free hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and snacks.  It’s a way for the community to get better acquainted.

After an evening of visiting stores and friends, people will gather back in front of the fire station and listen to live carolers while they wait to visit Santa Claus.  Yes that’s right… Santa sets up his chair and spends time getting to know what each little child is hoping to receive on Christmas morning.  Occasionally in the past, even Mrs. Claus has made an appearance to help Santa keep all the gift requests in order.

It’s nice to see that even in an area as populated as Southern California there are still cities attempting to create a sense of community and caring.  I think we can all use a reminder now and again that we are not alone in this world…especially during the holidays.

It Happens In 3′s

I know it’s an “Old Wives’ Tale” that things seem to happen in threes.  But isn’t it amazing, when we are talking about trials, tests, and tribulations in life that this in fact seems to be the case.

Why can’t this be the case with good things?  Wouldn’t it be great if all of sudden you found yourself one day with a new car, a vacation house in your dream location, and the money to pay for all the taxes and insurances that go along with these gifts? 

Well unless you know something about Santa Claus that I don’t, these things are not going to happen.  However, I can think of three things that always make a big difference in my life; God, family, and friends.  I guess good things do happen in threes after all…