Christmas Is.....?

What is Christmas to you? Oxen's stall-or-shopping mall, Mangers with hay-or-non-working day. Angels at night-or-tinsels and lights, Shining star-or-credit card. Shepherds guarding their flock-or-what can be in that shiny red box. A gift of gold-or-gold to hold. Peace within-or-a tie again. Wise men on bended knee-or-having the largest Christmas tree. Time to reflect and think-or-simply time for a drink. A time to share-or-gift wrap everywhere. Celebrating with the family-or-having dinner served by three. Quiet pause with kids and spouse-or-a highly decorated house. Fulfilled promise from above-or-crowds and lines, and push and shove. Silent night-or-partying till daylight. The first Noel-or-stomp and yell. The prelude to the Saviour's Cross-or-is it only Santa Claus. Joy to the world-or-ribbon properly curled, God come down from eternity-or-"What did you buy for me?" The virgin birth-or-How much is that present worth? The reason for the season-or-celebration with no reason. Promise of life to come-or-"gimme some, give me some" Smiles and hugs-or-"Bah'Humbug'" The Birthday of our King-or-something else that needs returning' Carol's sung by a mighty choir-or-merely chestnuts roasting in the fire. Giving help to those in need-or-out on the slopes with blinding speed. A little child's eyes opened wide-or-another chance for a snowmobile ride. The baby boy-or-simply a brand new toy. Everyday we are asked to chose, So much to gain-or-so much to lose. It's not for me to tell you what to do, What does Christmas really mean to you? Arthur Ball (H.S.L.P.) December 9, 2001 .