I remember a time, as a juvenile,
When Christmases incredibly beguiled
And overwhelmed my innocent mind,
When pondering a season I�d thought clearly defined.
The Song of Christmas, as told to me,
By ancestors descended from my family tree,

Was to herald the birth of a Savior of Life
And redeem us from sin and Earthly strife.
But my own thoughts lay solely on Santa Claus,
On family gatherings, early winter thaws,
On glittering lights, and family traditions,
On sumptuous meals, and carol renditions.

I reflected on the joys of the season
That fell within a child�s unknowing reason,
On gifts and stockings, which hung by the fire,
On stories of elves, told before I retired
To a night laced with dreams of peppermint sticks,
Sugar baked cookies, and eggnog, too thick.

Of toys and teddies and the most beautiful dollies,
All nestled around a tree decorated with holly;
Of cousins and aunts and seldom-seen kin,
Who found their way home for Christmas again.
Of a winter veiled in a snow�s first light,
And the cinnamon scent from a candle�s light.

I thought only of my own youthful allusions,
Of a fairytale Christmas borne in childlike delusion.
Until late one wintery Christmas eve,
As I raised my prayers in sweet relief,
An angelic voice of spiritual light
Drifted down to me to heed my plight.

Fear not, little one,� she spoke to me,
For I have come to enlighten thee;
To give you pause for a moment�s reflection
And steer your thoughts in a worthy direction.
For Christmas is not just about presents and toys
For those we consider good girls and boys.�

And, as the whisper of wings fluttered there in the dark,
I sensed my companion�s brisk need to depart
To a heavenly paradise I chose to believe
Where this Voice of Love had once been conceived.

So, I altered my prayers from that sacred night on,
As a consequence of that celestial song,
And I begged for forgiveness of failings of mine
From the most Supreme Being existing in time.

And I prayed not for gifts or treasures of gold,
But for the wisdom of Heart, about which I�d been told,
And for a way I might share this Divine Intervention
With all who might need some well-meaning intention.

So, I say to you now at this time of the year,
To hold fast in your heart that which you feel dear,
And find in yourself that brief spark of Light,
that brings you His love on this Holiest of nights�