Rumours of Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, the stage was all set
But nothing was certain, twas not real yet
Just angels and prophesy, stars in the sky
A birth that was imminent, a longed for first cry.

Twas the night before Christmas and Bethlehem stirred
Rumours of angelic voices were heard
Already so crowded, the town paused and waited
Uncertain bout quite what they anticipated.

Twas the night before Christmas, a star overhead
A young girl in labour, a crude, makeshift bed
Shepherds drew nearer, wise men on their way
What a strange, muddled scene for that first Christmas day.

It's the last week of advent, the tree has been dressed
the last countdown begins and we may feel stressed
But what of the message of Christmas, is that
Just a long ago rumour, has it gotten "old hat"?

Is the Jesus of Christmas a fact, is he real?
When you join in the carols, what is it you feel?
With the anticipation, the build up, the hype
What is the heart of your Christmas day like?

Does this Joy to the World touch your spirit and heart
Or is it just heresay of which you've no part?
Is it simply a story, an annual tale
A ritual we do every year without fail?

It's the week before Christmas and here you are
Were you told by an angel? Did you follow a star?
Will you pause at the stable, will you bow down before
the child in the manger, will you come and adore?

For it's not just a rumour and it never has been
What the prophets foretold became real, became seen
And of this please be certain, God has led you this way
For he wants to be real to you here today.

Karen Holmes
December 19th 2014