In these days of progress,
Fake snow strewn about the house
Ornamental dangles
Tempt the cats to take a pounce.
I sing my Christmas tidings,
Run up the credit cards
Could I stop for just a moment
And stop settling my scores.
Baby in the manger,
Bright star above your head
I'm oooing and I'm ahhing
And forgetting things you said.
But someone out there's crying,
Someone out there's cold.
Someone's baby's dying
Of hunger and of old.
Do they know that I'm a Christian
By my love of fellow man
Or do I paint a pretty picture
Just to justify my plans.
Infant in the manger,
Would you give me eyes to see
How to touch those deemed untouchable
By those of high esteem.
Child in the manger,
When I open gifts in glee
Please remind me of conditions
That leave other men in need.
I sit by my plastic tree
All glitter, beads and gold
A treasury of sweet memory
Filled with blessings twenty-fold.
Why is it that I forget
The world is filled with pain?
Could I dig a little deeper
Than my Kingdom and my reign?
Is satan up there laughing
Front row center on the pew
While I comfortably carol
Thinking we're the chosen few.
Do they know that I'm a Christian
By my love of fellow man
Or do I paint a pretty picture
Just to justify my plans.
Infant in the manger,
Would you give me eyes to see
How to touch those deemed untouchable
By those of high esteem.
Will I oooo and ahhh you
When you hang upon the cross,
When they label you a criminal
And threaten me with loss?
Baby in the manger
Soften my hardened heart.
Help me stop pointing fingers,
Only loving you in part.
Help me look beyond the tinsel,
Help me see beyond facade.
I pray to learn to live above
Social approval's nod.
Savior in the manger,
Help me to feed your sheep
Not with hollow contradiction
There are promises to keep.
Do they know that I'm a Christian
By my love of fellow man
Or do I paint a pretty picture
Just to justify my plans.
Infant in the manger,
Would you give me eyes to see
How to touch those deemed untouchable
By those of high esteem.
Author notes
Sometimes we forget what the season is truly all about even though we readily voice it with our lips.
My challenge to every person who celebrates is put your heart where your mouth is and give something to those with less that you. There is always someone in need of something that you have even if you can only afford a smile to the homeless dude who walks past your place of buissiness every day.
So leave your ego behind and pack your judgemental attitudes in the closet for safekeeping. Give of yourself, your time, or your money as you are able.
Be a living example of the miracle you claim to believe in. 
Written December 19th, 2005
In a list
- Random Words and Other Social Statements • next in list
- Desparately Seeking Music • next in list
- A Touch of Madness Amid Holiday Spirit • next in list
- Conviction • next in list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
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Thoughtful
Peace
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yeah that would make a lovely pop song although i am not religious myself i take your meaning and its very succinct
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So many of us should ask ourselves the same question. Are we really christians or do we just make it look like we are and take the little child in the manger as a way to get things for our selves. If we really looked deep with ourselves we would find that most of our holiday cheer did not come from the one in the manger but from the gifts that "we" receive. Instead we should think about what gift "He" gave. Nice work on this I loved reading it.
~val~
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You did a lovely job on this poem... There was a lot of emotion put into this poem. The flow was awesome. It was a beautiful piece with a wonderful message... Keep up the wonderful and excellent work!
~:Kitten:~ -
You truly nailed it.
I agree with J Rhyies Davies in that this is something to think about and truthfully something that I have been thinking about for a few days. I have a contest in mind coming up for some people to give honest poems about. -
Wow you really got your emotion and point across in this one. I liked it I think you did very well here
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...I must say, after I realized this was a christian poem I nearly stopped reading it. I was raised roman catholic, but by the time I left home I was sick of all the hypocrisies and contradictions in both the people and the religion itself. Something stayed my hand however, and I kept reading. I'm glad I did. This is a beautiful piece with a wonderful message for people of all faiths. It is good to see a christian out there that recognized one of the issues, didn't lose faith and leave, as I did, but rather the speaker in this poem seeks to change the situation, at least within themselves. You have my applause for such a wonderful piece.
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Ilove poems that are reminders of the truemeaning of Christmas! Always after reading poemslike this I remeber tocount my blessing. Thanks for the wonderful read!
-Kim
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wow
wow... du they see? am I doing enough to show... this is truly amazing... so honest... i lov this!! the flow, and the rhyme is perfect... i lov the 'chorus' its really well written!!!
mushy -
it's good to remember the true meaning of Christmas! nice job with this poem!
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I likes it! The imagery is great. Thanks for sharing. Keep it up!
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Wow I love this! This makes perfect since to me and is such an amazing inspiring read! you are truely amazing.. I admire your skill!!!!
Very very wonderful.. You say it how it is when a lot of people are blind to this! Good job!
-Kim
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Fabulous!
Wow, I know a few people who need to read this! How well you have captured the frustration with a 'plastic' holiday. I esp. love the line about running up your credit card! -
Thanks so much John. I know I write lots of social ranty type stuff, but I like knowing that I am not just looking down my nose at everyone else screaching --bad-- and pointing fingers. Keeping my side of the street cleaned up is pretty much a full time job
Hopefully, I will be able to find a good musical home for this one 
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My dear, this is by far one of your best. I don’t think at all that you are pointing fingers. This is more like a wake up call in my opinion. I liked the repetitions within this. It helped to further convey what convictions are going through your mind. I enjoyed this immensely.
~ John
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Thanks so much, Sheryl. Sometimes what a song is trying to say just doesn't take the familiar form . Sometimes I think poetry and songs are their own living breathing things that can't be dictated to by human pens
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Excellent as usual, Thistle. The style is unique from your other songs, but still very enjoyable. Very nice message. It's important for Christian's to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It's difficult in a world where it has become a national holiday decorated with colored foil and plastic! Thoughtful write! Good luck on Wednesday! Merry Christmas!
Sheryl
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