Don'T Stress Christmas

The northern skies are turning gray -- Seems the sun just doesn’t linger. Christmas is just a month away, And the nights are getting longer. That Thanksgiving spent with family— A briefly pleasant holiday— Was forgotten all too quickly By pushy crowds on Black Friday. Our gift checklist seems like old Saint Nick’s, But our staff is lacking Elves. Shopping trips cause daily panics. I wonder how we’ll feed ourselves. We must buy more decorations, So the yard looks like it’s snowing. We fall deeper in depressions As our credit keeps on growing. Lord forgive commercialism For ruining every Christmas. Lord forgive consumerism For dumping on us all that stress. December is a dreary time, Even when little angels sing. The irony of Christmas time Was that Christ was born in the Spring. While standing in the checkout line, Remember what the carols told. Think of how Bethlehem’s star once shined, As Israel’s prophets foretold. Think of the awe of the shepherds When they saw angels fill the air. Coming to the stable, entered, To meet the Holy Family there. Instead of spending all you have, Next November and December, Spend time with all of those you love, And teach them what to remember. "A Savior born in Bethlehem" Should bring us joy and happiness; And “ Peace on Earth, goodwill to men” Should set us free, not bring us stress.