The True Meaning of Christmas

The True Meaning of Christmas

By Kimberly Coates

‘Twas the Eve of First Christmas and all through the land

There was not one room open neither simple, nor grand

Dread filled Joseph’s heart, at the last place they tried

As the innkeeper’s head shook from side to side

Then, filled with compassion, he thought of a way

He told of a stable, a place they could stay

Having no other option, each door closed up tight

A simple old stable, became a delight

They thanked the kind man, while the door he was closing

The day nearly gone, soon the dark was enclosing

When fine’ly they found it, Joseph took tender care

Made a bed out of straw, with no time to spare

The pain soon began, God’s own son nearly here

Mary prayed to have courage to replace her fear

And when she looked at His face, sent from above

She knew in an instant of a mother’s pure love

She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes for the night

Laid Him in a manger, then noticed a light

A new star above them, up high in the East

Shining brighter then others by two times, at least

Nearby there were shepherds with their flocks in the field

Looking up to the sky, saw the star unconcealed

When an angel appeared bringing news of Christ’s birth

They set forth to visit the One of Great Worth

For God so loved the world that He sent us his son

And because of his precious gift, Christmas begun

When the wise men arrived, they knelt down in praise

And starting tradition, their gifts did they raise

But it didn’t take long to fill hearts with greed

Instead of all giving; we get, want, and need

So many distractions, ways to go into debt

The true meaning of Christmas, we must not forget

If we look at what’s changed since that first Christmas night

We’ll find the answers to things the world has lost sight

If we’d have been there, seen the star in the sky

There is one thing for certain: no reindeer flew by!

Now our stockings are filled to the brim with fun treats

Each year they get bigger, they were once for our feet

And under the tree where once there were presents

The crumpled up paper now covers the floor vents

The Christmas we know just would not feel complete

Without treats from our neighbors to fatten our seat

And by Christmas night, you bid your visitors bye

The toys are half broken, you vow that “Next year you’ll try”

To teach the true purpose of the gift of God’s love

The kind of giving and caring the scriptures talk of

No need to wonder if it’s big or too small

Cuz unlike a sweater, love is one size fits all

Christ was not wealthy in treasures of this earth

But he loved everyone, he knew of their worth

It doesn’t take money to make Christmas great

Just think about Christ, it is never too late

You don’t need to wait or hold off for good reason

To practice what you’ll do for the next Christmas season

So starting this moment to give others a lift

Love them with all your heart, for love is the best gift!