December 2006 - Volume 11, Issue 5

Thought For The Month

The Christmas Spirit

Photo of a star shaped Christmas ornamentI enter the home of poverty,
causing pale-faced children
to open their
eyes wide in pleased wonder.

I cause the miser's
clutched hand to relax,
and thus paint
a bright spot on his soul.

I cause the aged to
renew their youth
and to laugh in
the glad old way.

I keep romance alive
in the heart of childhood,
and brighten sleep with
dreams woven of magic.

I cause eager feet
to climb dark stairways
with filled baskets,
leaving behind hearts
amazed at the
goodness of the world.

Photo of a Christmas ornament that spells JOYI cause the prodigal
to pause a moment on his wild,
wasteful way, and
send to anxious love some little token
that releases glad tears -
tears which wash away
the hard lines of sorrow.

I enter dark prison cells,
reminding scarred manhood of
what might have been,
and pointing forward to
good days yet to come.

I come softly
into the still,
white home of pain,
and lips that are
too weak to speak
just tremble in silent,
eloquent gratitude.

Photo of a Christmas presentI cause the prodigal
In a thousand ways
I cause the weary world
to look up into the face of God
and for a little moment
forget the things
that are small and wretched.

I am the Christmas Spirit.

- Author Unknown

Photo of a red bow and ribbon