Merry Christmas

by Keith Summers

When I wish someone “Merry Christmas”

I don’t wish their trees to be bright,

Their presents piled up,

Their stockings filled to the top.

I wish them the awe the shepherds had,

When they heard the angels and saw the babe

And the awe of the wisemen, led by the star,

When they, too, found the newborn king.

When I wish someone “Merry Christmas”,

I’m not wishing they get all they want,

That they escape the season’s hassles,

And avoid the humbug mood.

I wish them the joy of the Eternal King’s presence.

The warmth of the Everlasting Father,

The peace that passes all understanding

The joy that fills to overflowing.

My “Merry Christmas” echoes my desire

To pass on the greatest gift I’ve received,

This gift that John described in these words,

“For God so loved the world that He gave. . . “