Winter Tale

This winter tale does not explain
Fuzzy thoughts, or cookie brains
Santa Claus’ rosy cheeks
Or festive songs that last for weeks
Instead, this winter, read to you
A story shared from four faith views
They talk about a King of Kings
The Lord of Lords of whom we sing
During church the Eve of Love
The baby birthed to rescue us
The skies so black, yet mottled white
A star above shone toward that sight

I wish I were alive back then
To witness Mary’s cry and grin
As she hugged her sinless kin
And kissed his soft, cold, wrinkled skin

I wish I had been there to see
Joseph’s face burst into glee
When Baby gurgles broke our plea
And animals bowed rev’rently

I wish I were alive that night
To see my Savior bundled tight
To see who’d come to live God’s light
And beat dark Satan through Love’s fight

I wish I had been there to hear
The donkey’s haw and silent tears
The fumbling sheep that filled with fear
When wood creaked loudly as wind jeered

I wish I had been there to touch
The child’s hand, so small and bunched
His outreached palm, I’d run to clutch
The hand of whom I love so much

But most of all I wish I’d feel
Today, his presence, clear and real
His might to mend and words that heal
The aching hole which will not seal

For Christmas wishes musn’t be
For bulging socks or lit-up trees
Instead remember others’ needs
Letting go of selfish greed

Encompass innocence renewed
Beginning from His birth, so new
The pureness in His face of truth
The pureness veiled in all our youth