The Day After Christmas

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Twas the day after Christmas and throughout the world

All creatures were finding their lives in a whirl.

I thought I could change things; I knew this was it…

The year I could make all the broken parts fit.

I found just the right gift, sent everyone cards,

Forgot no one important, put lights in the yard.

I hosted the dinner of traditional fare,

and worked to make certain all the right guests were there.

But the day after Christmas, I woke with deep gloom

A heaviness settled and filled every room.

I walked through my home with a feeling of dread,

Remembering well all the words that were said.

The old family grudges still hung in the air,

So thick with disgust and the depths of despair.

I sat in the stillness and thought what went wrong.

The old life-long wounds had lasted so long.

No tinsel or bells, no pastry or presents

Could move it or change it, or help it to make sense.

The Book sat nearby and I opened the pages.

My eyes fell upon the words of the ages.

“I bring you good news of great joy for all.”

The Baby, ah yes…asleep in the stall.

The Lord Jesus Christ, how could I have forgotten?

The power of Jesus, the Father’s begotten?

I left Him outside, not inviting Him in.

His love was the answer, the cure to my sin.

My anger and grudges, my hurts and my pains,

He could heal in an instant; my heart He would change.                                                                                                  

I lowered my head and prayed a short prayer

Asking God to forgive me and meet me right there.

He did at that moment and joy filled my heart.

And I knew right away I would have a fresh start.

I flew to the phone and called all my guests

To ask for forgiveness and offer my best

Of a new year’s adventure of living my life

To honor the Christ child and be free from strife.