Free verse describing Christmas from two perspectives.

Christmas is coming! Out comes the tree.
Wrapping the tinsel, decorating the room.
Colorful lights shining at night,
The children wait expectantly.

Roll on Christmas! Joyful thoughts.
Christmas shopping, sending of cards.
A list of presents so that no-one's forgot.
Thinking of last year, what had they received.

Come Christmas eve! the singing of carols.
Remembering Jesus, born is a stable.
The angels announcing the coming King!
The gifts that the three wise men shall bring.

Christmas day! Shouts of laughter!
The toys for the children, aftershave for Dad.
Family for dinner, crackers, hats.
Everyone wonders if it'll snow next year.

Christmas is coming, thinks a man on the street.
He walks in the rain, no shoes on his feet.
Finding a bench, he lies down to sleep.
A cold wet evening, a hungry stomach.

It's nearly Christmas, and winter is here.
The man dreads the cold, the wind and the snow.
Searching bins and begging for something to eat.
Wishing he had somewhere to live.

A bitter winters night, he knocks on a door.
Someone answers, a smiling face.
"Merry Christmas" they cry, and give him a pound.
The door is closed, the man walks on.

The man thought of Christmas, and Jesus his saviour,
of God, and what it's like in heaven.
Lying down, he dare not sleep for the cold.
He wonders if he will be alive next year.

(c) Jamie Hunter, December 1989

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