Are We Taking Christ Out of Christmas?

An original poem by Patricia Straumann

Mount Pulaski, IL

Christmas  2004

     There's a hint in the air of snow/ And nights are becoming quite a chill/ Reminding us all that Christmas time/ Lies just over the hill.

     From trees, the tinted leaves drift down/ Piling deep upon the earth/ The birds fly south for warmer days/ Along the coastal surfs.

     God looks down on us below/ Sad and desperate in our ways/ Seeking happiness from many things/ Caught up in the Christmas craze.

     In these days, it seems to be/ We're oblivious to His call/ But worship God in mediocrity/ Never finding our All in All.

     Are we taking the Christ out of Christmas?/ In so many different ways/ Like letting an "X" represent His name/ In greetings we send and display.

     "Xmas" is not a tradition/ But an effort to save humane time/ "Merry CHRISTmas" shows proper/  Respect for our Lord/ Surely pleasing Him time after time.

     We're all in a hurry at Christmas/ But it makes sense to take extra time/ To write, in full, "Merry CHRISTmas"/ Settling for less seems a crime.

     Lord knows, we enjoy the great pleasure/ Of family and friends for the season/ But somewhere up there reigns the Master Devine/ We alter His name without reason.

     Perhaps this very Christmas time/ Will soften harden hearts/ And worship of the blessed Christ/ Within their hearts will start.

     What a wondrous gift to Jesus/ If we would all set aside/ The material part of Christmas/ Letting peace and love abide.

     Examine your heart in depth/ Look deeply into your core/ Turn away from things of earth, dear friend/ Christ offers us much, much more.

     "First, seek ye the kingdom," the Bible says/ That's scripture both tried and true/ There's no higher aim than to honor His name/ Merry CHRISTmas, sweet Lord, to you.