Christmas ~ 2007

Something about Thanksgiving Day
Starts the holiday season in a proper way,
Caring and sharing time with a friend;
As family and loved ones gather again.

Our hearts reminisce, we sigh and we smile,
Then wander down memory lane for a while.
We’re setting the tone and picking up the pace,
We’re dreaming of joy shining from each face.

Yet the plans we make soon take over our life,
We frown when they turn into trouble and strife.
Our intentions are good, we start off fine;
How quickly we find we’re off track down the line,

And consumed with our lists, the tinsel and glitter,
Our distracted hearts grow weary and bitter.
But the season was born, not to celebrate self,
Or withdraw from the world and sit on a shelf.

It was born in a heart that was so full of love,
It thought nothing of bankrupting heaven above,
Of reaching and giving the best of the best;
It gave without measure, it did not grow stressed.

When rejected, mistreated and scornfully used,
This love looked beyond and was never confused.
For love like this is the noblest kind;
Bringing healing for heart, soul, body and mind.

It’s the example and pattern – the way we should be,
The model that everyone wishes to see.
It’s love that is selfless, honest and true,
It’s love that spares nothing, makes everything new.

This love’s not the kind that makes hearts pitter-pat,
Oh no! This love’s much deeper than that.
It reaches down to the lowest hell,
It draws and it woos, it continues to swell…

Changing, transforming, creating anew,
Bringing beauty out of a life that’s askew.
Keeping no record of wrongs that were done,
Rejoicing in all of the good that’s begun.

It plans no ill, no evil, no sorrow.
It concerns itself with a better tomorrow.
Such love’s worth the cost, it’s far beyond price.
To gain it, sell all – don’t even think twice.

This year is waning, the days fly so fast –
Too soon it will be a part of the past.
And what have we done with the time we were given?
Have we lightened a load? or just eked out a livin’?

Can a friend or a child look at you and say…?
“Thank you so much, you made my day!”
Can a stranger walk tall, feel thankful and proud,
As your kindness stands out from the madding crowd?

Little deeds done in the course of each day,
Become rays of light when clouds are gray.
They’re like flowers that bloom in the light of the sun,
Spreading joy and cheer to everyone;

Or pebbles that lie at the bottom of a brook,
Calling out to the traveler, “Come, take a look!”
Like the smiling face of a trusting child;
It beckons and blesses, it’s tender and mild.

It’s the sum, the total when the day is through –
That says, “what kind of man or woman are you?”
A giver? A taker? A person who cares?
Do you think of the load someone else has to bear?

Can neighbors look at you, see a kindly mien?
Do you face life’s struggles with a peace serene?
For the heart at peace with God and man –
Is a heart that every gulf can span

“Peace on earth – good will to men”
Iis not just a mantra or a wistful yen
It’s a plan and a purpose – all encompassing, good,
One that needs to be fully understood.

It begins with a heart that’s full of Thanksgiving;
That seeks for a higher standard of living.
It’s fulfilled when we join with the heavenly choir
In making God’s will our heart’s chief desire.

- MJKinnee