Christmas

The holiday is now twisted to suit our desires
As we hail the birth of the promised messiah
Born in land claimed now by a tyrant state
though important to all Abrahamic faiths.

Todays ceremonies bring some unease
original purity tainted by disease
Christmas comes dressed in commercial garb
As retailers and e-tailers fight for your coin
and the gift-buying hordes your feet do join
Gift-giving once a sign of the time's spirit
Now something that feels shallow, fake
an act done purely for its own sake
what you buy, or own, or give, or get...
these things don't define you, but yet
God help you if the wrong gift you bring

and yet.... and yet...

Witness the tranquil calm of Christmas Eve
and think back to how it must have been
and warm your heart by the fire of the selfless
who in attending to the homeless and desperate
raise the spirits of their fellow brethren
of the tainted message, something special remains
and the phrases ring true, though be they clichéd
Peace, and love, and goodwill to all men
If only I could get the world to wish the same....

----------------

Merry Christmas all. Enjoy the holidays, and I hope your new year is blessed and fruitful.