The Real True Christmas

Christmas approaches,

malls are ablaze

with shoppers and merchants

like rats in a maze.

Santa sits waiting

for the next little boy

to tell him with longing

what he wants for a toy.

Lights on the houses,

Christmas music reminds

that the season is ripe now

like grapes on a vine.

But where's the real Christmas -

The one that's been told

for years upon years

by great men of old?

The spirit of giving

to those who have none,

Just exactly like God did

when He sent us His son.

It's great for the children,

My children too,

But I fear that I've taught them

a shallower view

than what the truth yells out,

"Jesus is here!"

Instead they were learning

'bout all the reindeer.

I have nothing against

the spark in their eyes

on Christmas morning.

The look of surprise

and wonder and laughter,

all precious things.

But none holds a candle

to what Real Christmas means.

Born in a stable,

poorer than most,

God's only Son,

in this we should boast.

The giving of gifts

is a wonderful thing,

but they're much more special

when we remember our King:

Someone who gave

the Ultimate present,

to make peace with us

who were spiritual peasants.

We have credit cards busting

under debt's weight,

as children world-wide

wish for food on their plate.

I've no problem with Santa,

or lights on the trees,

the stockings, the presents,

- any of these.

They all have a place.

Memories made

that will last many years,

but even those fade.

But the Real True Christmas

will not fade away,

It's old, yet eternal,

and the same one today

As it was in the stable

so many years past,

It was given for all,

and given to last.

If the hustle and bustle

is wearing you down,

sit quietly a moment

and think of the town

of Bethlehem. Prophets

so long had foretold

that Jesus was coming

to change all the world.

And now He is here,

and in Him we rejoice,

for we are all sinners,

but He gave us a voice

to proclaim to the nations

that God reigns above all,

and has shown His great love

with a Babe in a stall.

That's the Real True Christmas,

That's the Real True Joy,

It's all simply about

this One Baby Boy.

So shop if you must,

and bring joy to your kids,

but never forget

to share what God did:

His infinite love

and mercy displayed

in a manger in Bethlehem

that first Christmas Day.

Stan Fletcher December 2011