Are You Ready?

"Are you ready for Christmas?" I hear at the store,

"I thought I was done, but I'm buying more."

"Oh, I'm ready for Christmas," I said without pause-

No last-minute details for this Santa Claus!

The gifts are all wrapped and hidden away

So the family won't find them until Christmas Day

I've mailed Christmas cards to my family and friends,

I'll have finished my baking before the day ends.

The lights in my windows are new and won't dim

My tree is adorned with the prettiest trim

Christmas dinner is planned, from the ham to the pies

I can fill Christmas socks as the kids close their eyes!

I went through the check stand, my last business done

I was ready for Christmas and it would be fun!

As I walked down the street in the fast-fading light

A nativity scene in the park caught my sight.

There were Mary and Joseph, out there in the cold

The wise men adored with the myrrh and their gold

But something was missing! The manger was bare!

I looked even closer - no Christ child was there.

"How dare they!" I thought, with a quick rise of anger

"They've stolen the baby right out of his manger!"

Who would do such a thing? I just couldn't believe

I was shaking my head as I turned to leave.

"Don't be angry at them," said a voice quietly.

"To get ready for Christmas, did you think of Me?

Dear Child, I've watched all your running about

And you planned every detail - but you left Me out."

"Are you ready for Christmas? Just what's on your list?

"Is it 'Love One Another' or has that been missed?

"Do your baking and wrapping, and go trim your tree

"Have fun in your Christmas, but don't forget Me!"

By Stephanie Chvala (c) 1992

Wishing you and yours all the best this Christmas season!