The Christmas Ornament

It was just like every other year Trimming trees with holiday cheer. Like practiced dancers, we went around Knowing by heart every carols sound. There were smells so sweet, but I knew them all From the cooking of ham to Grandmother’s shawl. I sang like the others while popcorn was strung Not really noticing when the door-bell was rung. We were easily absorbed in familiar footpaths Following traditions from generations past. No one had noticed what it had become Something we did for the sake of having been done. From a small box another ornament came free A candy-cane heart was placed on the tree. It was a strange thing to see him come through the door With a cheerful smile and something much more. I don’t understand why he came to me Huddled shyly behind the tree. There were words about merriment and spreading the cheer And; “For you, my dear, I have something here.” A little box wrapped in a red bow Catching the lights with an enchanting glow. I looked to him with pleading eyes Wondering what was beneath this tinfoil disguise. I should wait until Christmas, I was sure he would say But the look in his eyes gave him away. With a nod of his head I gave a light tug Feeling it loosen that was tied with love. I slid the paper away just a crack Enchanted by the shimmer that greeted me back. Inside a glass box with a frosted design A round green ornament sat with a shine. I marveled and awed at the glittering shade Of a woman, a lamb, and a bundled up babe. There was confusion at first at the image it held Nothing alike our reindeers and bells. But I smiled at it and the comfort it brought And the spell of wandering, happy thoughts. I was too young to know what it meant But that giving man lent more than he sent. The spirit of Christmas wrapped in red love Of all of my ornaments it still hangs above. There’s more to Christmas than we often see But that Christmas Eve insight was given to me. It isn’t the food or the gifts that we give But the spirit of love by which we live. Given to us by a man that once was Born to be killed because he loved.