MERRY CHRISTMAS or HO-HO HOLIDAY

‘Twas the month of December

and for miles all around

folks were out shopping

and most wore a frown.

The kids were all scrambling

to sit on Santa’s knee

and give their tall orders

for gifts ‘neath their tree.

They cleaned up their behavior

to be top of his list

and they hugged him, smiled sweetly

as they told him their wish.

Mom and Dad did the shopping

and went way over-board

buying with plastic

what they could not afford.

The stores were all decorated

with tinsel and holiday trees,

not Christmas, no mention of Jesus,

so not to offend those who do not believe

in Christ or in Christmas

think Christianity awed…

It’s now just a fun holiday

that is seriously flawed.

There are no manger scenes,

wise men are hidden from view…

except for jolly old Santa

and a reindeer or two.

There are gifts made in China,

a splendid array

to keep everyone happy

come Christmas day.

Yes, it still says Christmas

on the calendar

but there is no sign of Jesus

or angels, shepherds, or star.

There’s not a single mention

of God’s gift of love,

God’s Holy Son, Prince of Peace

bringing new life from above.

Folks don’t say Merry Christmas

but they say Ho, Ho, Ho

and attend lots of parties

that make you feel all aglow.

There’s lots of merry-making

and all those other things

but few will remember

the birth of Christ the King.

There’s no mention of Jesus

who became our sacrifice,

born fully God, fully man,

born so we could have life.

There’s no honor given

to Christ Christmas day;

it is now celebrated

in more worldly ways.

Folks don’t say Merry Christmas

or sing Joy to the World,

but Santa gets tributes

from each boy and girl.

No one mentions Christ Jesus

to not offend in some way

those who don’t believe

in Jesus birthday

or give unto Him

all the praise and the glory;

The Night Before Christmas

is their favorite old story…

Or maybe the one

about Grinch or old Scrooge…

but so to not offend,

no one speaks of the truth.

They’ve taken Christ out of Christmas

to not offend in some way

those who just like to party,

have a Ho-Ho Holiday.

But truth is…

We should celebrate Christmas

to celebrate Christ,

Jesus, our Lord,

our redeemer, our beloved sacrifice…

The Son of God,

born and placed in a manger…

He grew to manhood,

walked this world as a stranger

spreading God’s love…

And then gave up His life,

our Messiah, our King,

our Lord, Jesus, the Christ.

He rose from the dead

so life we may receive…

He’s our gift from God given

if we’ll simply believe.

The gift is ours to accept

or to just toss away…

We can celebrate Christ

or have a Ho-Ho Holiday.

When we celebrate Christmas

we might want to think twice…

It’s not about Santa and parties,

it’s about Jesus, the Christ,

peace on Earth, said the angel

and good will toward men;

it’s about the King of kings…

and He’s coming again.

When He comes this time,

It won’t be as a babe

But as Lord, Savior and King

and He will come someday…

And if He’s not our Lord we’ll pay dearly

for the choices we’ve made.

His gift is ours to accept

or to just toss away…

We can celebrate Christ

or have a Ho-Ho Holiday.