Peace at Christmas

Jaded, I hung a star outside my door
Worried, I swept the tinsel from my floor.
My mind wandered near and far
As I filled out my shopping list
The Christmas music played out loud
Around me people laughed
There was Christmas everywhere
Just not in my heart

I came upon a cardboard box
And wrapped in last year’s news
Of everything but glad tidings
Lay our delicate crib statues
Carefully unwrapping them
I laid them in their place
Until at last I gazed upon
The tiny baby Jesus’ face

His innocent chubby face
Had a gentle loving smile
His waving arms called me
To draw me to His side
A new-born babe - he did not know
The life His father had planned
Would he feel as confused as me?
Would he understand?

He would walk where I have walked
He would feel what I have felt
He would think what I have thought
He would love, he would leave
He would be betrayed
He would live and he would die
Just the same as you and I

I laid Him in the stable
And it suddenly came alive
Looking at this little crib
I was taken to that night
When shepherds, wise men and kings
Came to find His light

There was warmth and joy and love
And though troubles still abound
We each came there jaded
And in this stable, ourselves found
As I gazed upon his face
His promise filled the air
A quiet calm stilled my soul
It enveloped my being

A single word came true that day
A promise forever true
In the innocent eyes of a little babe
Peace – I am always with you