Sunday, December 9, 2012

Gathering 'Round the Holiday Tree


Gathering 'Round the Holiday Tree

There are those who say,
In these times of holiday,
That all trees which shine
Are only Christmas divine.
They protest to share
All the decorated glare
With whom believe not
The Christmas tale they were taught.

Which of the magi
Was the tree-toting wise guy?
Did a shepherd haul
The tree to the scene natal?
Maybe I have missed
That gift on the baby's list,
But it's likely true
That elsewhere this folklore grew.

Evergreen brings life
Inside through the winter strife.
Pagans sought its charm
To help them feel safe and warm.
As the sun climbs back
From the deep point on its track,
The memory of spring
To those fragrant boughs does cling.

Christians it deplored
As a mockery of their Lord.
Many centuries passed
Ere with Christmas it was cast.
With food, ball, and light
They covered that borrowed sight.
Not in manger born,
But from ancient customs torn.

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