What Christmas Is

Christmas is not
   A downhill sleigh ride.
For many,
   It’s an uphill climb.

Christmas is not a
   A sparkling fire in the fireplace.
For many,
   It’s a cold, chilling time.

Christmas is not
   A gathering of family and friends.
For many, it’s lonely days
   That seem without end.

Christmas is not idyllic scenes
   In a picture book.
For many, it’s memories
   That cause a painful, inward look.

But we must remember all Christmas is…
   Not dwell upon what it is not.
It’s a celebration of Jesus’ birth –
   God’s gift to all that cannot be bought. 

(Written in December 2009)