‘Twas the week after Christmas and I looked with a sigh,
At the signs of a holiday that came and passed by.
I see some lights on the houses, still twinkling bright
And a star on the hillside that glows in the night.
There is still smoke in the chimneys and fire logs burning
A chill in the air as the weather is turning.
The gifts are all opened and the ham is now gone.
I hear someone complain about the lights that are left on.
People are playing with remote control toys,
Gadgets that light up and make lots of noise.
They’re wearing new sweaters, and jackets, and shirts, and hats:
Trying new skateboards, and scooters, balls, gloves, and bats.
The windows are decorated with garland and snow.
Over the door there remains mistletoe.
Dangling ornaments still hang from the tree.
And on the piano: the Nativity.
But the candles are used up and there’s Scotch tape on the wall,
Where the greeting cards hung between the door and the hall.
There is glitter on the ground that needs to be swept,
And recycled boxes to be put where they’re kept.
The can is overflowing with wrapping paper and trash.
As you get ready to clean up the soot and the ash.
You first stop in the kitchen for a piece of leftover pie,
But someone ate the last slice, and you try not to cry.
As you see enough turkey and gravy to make a nice plate,
Along with stuffing and yams, now you’re feeling quite great.
As you gobble your sweet corn, you contemplate.
The sit-ups it takes to offset the food that you ate.
You glance at the television to catch up on the news,
Flipping through channels finding it tough to choose.
With the excess of commercials, you see each offer twice.
Everything that you bought last week is now half price!
You rush down to the mall to catch one of the deals.
You’re feeling kind of sluggish from all those big meals.
Santa is gone and the signs are all changed,
Year-end clearance sale madness makes you slightly deranged.
Returns and exchanges lined all the way to the door.
Half-opened packages strung on the shelves and the floor.
The crowds are chaotic and the sales clerk seems vile.
People are frantic and impatient and can’t seem to smile.
“You’re next!” she announces, “Have you got your receipt?”
But all you find in your pocket is a half-eaten treat.
It was an unfinished candy cane from a few days before,
She glares for a moment and then quips, “Have you got more?”
Her face seemed to soften and her voice quickly faded,
The cashier leaned forward and disclosed that she was feeling sort of jaded.
Her holiday was over before it began.
Taking care of her family the best that she can.
On Christmas Eve, she didn’t get off until eight.
Then rushed the family to church but got there too late.
The candles were lit and the story was told.
She sobbed as she walked to the car in the cold.
Then about midnight this mother was forced out of bed,
One of her children had pain in her ear and her head.
Christmas at the hospital: love without fail,
And back at 6 a.m. to open for the Clearance Day sale.
As you listen your heart sinks deep into your chest,
You struggle to find the words that are best.
But before you dare speak —- you pause for a bit
And pray that you’ll say something that will be helpful and fit.
While struggling to reply, and your brain seems to stall:
A tender baritone voice rings, “Honey, we’re out in the mall.”
He wore jeans, plaid and work boots, and had a kind face.
With a child in each hand, they beamed and brightened the place.
Standing there dumbfounded with nothing to say,
You heard, “Thank you, sir. I hope you have a nice day.”
Then she dashed from the counter without saying goodbye;
Your mind stuck on this family, and you’re not sure why.
An hour later you saw them in the food court praying.
You couldn’t help but wish that you could hear what they were saying.
They seemed thankful and happy, and were reading from God’s book.
As they ate and exchanged gifts, you were trying not to look.
But your soul was pricked and you knew that you were seeing something good.
If this family could find joy and peace, then maybe others could.
Their Christmas “seemed” to be a failure but it’s clear that isn’t true.
They tapped into something real that can bless them all year through.
You reflect on the grime, and the strain, in the real Bethlehem story.
How God’s Holy Son in a manger could somehow bring glory.
Wish lists, time off, making plans just to please us.
Instead of worshipping the Prince of Peace, and living for Jesus.
For God so loved the whole world that he gave:
Hurting and broken lives that he wants to save.
Whoever believes and receives will not perish.
Abundant life forever — God’s promise to cherish.
You dart to get home to hug the ones that you love.
Thoughts swarm that the best Christmas gifts come from above.
Hope is renewed, your soul is lifted, lasting Holy- Day cheer.
Merry Christ-mas to all, and Happy New Year!