I AM CHRISTMAS

(New thoughts are posted each Monday and Thursday)

I AM CHRISTMAS

I am Christmas. I am the wide eyes of a child at break of Christmas Day. I am the somber look of an old man’s memory. I am the holy look of Christ’s worshipers in prayer. I am the glad, great cry of the carolers in the winter night.

I am Christmas. I have looked on the first star of Bethlehem. I saw, on the first Christmas Eve, three wise men. I felt the presence of shepherds in their awe. I perceived the Christ child in his crib.

I am Christmas. I have gathered many symbols around about me. I have my fir tree from Germany. I have my yuletide from Jol in Iceland. I have my jolly old Saint Nick from the Land of the dikes. I have mistletoe from Celtic Britain. I have America’s own particular gift of commercialization. I have the story of the Nativity from that book so close to men of all nations.

I am Christmas. I am the rustle of the wrappings from asunder on Christmas morn. I m the whistle of the toy train trembling on the tracks. I am the cry of the doll so real it almost talks. I am the family arm-in-arm, in transit from friend to friend.

I am Christmas. There is no other like me; though you search the world up every river, round every bend. I offer an abundance of love and good cheer. I break the back of hostilities for a spell. Even battlefields have become quiet for a time. And bullets have been traded briefly for the spirit of brotherhood. I am the hope of the world caught up in one special day. I am the promise of something good in men let loose in a 24 hour period.

I am Christmas. I am the miracle of a Scrooge. I am the memory of a snowy village twinkling in the night. I m mercy with a “Merry Christmas” on my lips and a gift in my hand.

I am Christmas. And to each of you who hold me close and shout out my merry greeting at this happiest of seasons, the VERY BEST TO YOU.