I share this every year, and the truth of it is still relevant. Just this week we saw on the news that a young boy was reunited with his mother after being held hostage and abused for four years. I love the Christmas season, but I want to be sensitive to those for whom it is a hard, sad time. As we thank God for our many blessings, won’t you join me in remembering and praying for those who are in prison, away from home, poor, homeless, or caught in the web of sin. addiction and hopelessness. It was for all of us that Jesus came, and it is for all of us that He lives. Blessings to you.

 Through softly floating snow flakes

He watched day fade to night

The house across the street lit up

The star on top shone bright

 

He pressed his tiny face against

The glass so he could see, the lights

That danced and sparkled

On his neighbor’s Christmas tree

 

He wondered what the world was like

For other girls and boys

Who woke up Christmas morning

To a Christmas tree and toys

 

He imagined how his mom and dad

Would smile and draw him near

And how they’d all have dinner

Cooked up with Christmas cheer

 

His mouth turned up in pleasure

At the picture he could see

Of a happy, normal little boy

But it was not to be…

 

The angry voices rose beyond

His bedroom door shut tight

His tiny body trembled

And his fantasy took flight

 

As the distant siren sounded

And his tears began to fall

He wondered where he’d be

When Christmas morning came to call

 

© Sharon E. Coleman 2013

 

 The preceding poem may not warm the cockles of your heart, but for all too many boys and girls it is reality.  This Christmas, won’t you please do what you can to help?  Put an extra dollar in the Salvation Army bucket; donate an extra toy to Toys for Tots; give to your local food bank or charity; adopt a child or a family for Christmas.  Pray for those who are locked in the bondage of poverty or domestic abuse.  And may God bless you and yours, even as your soul prospers (3 John 2).