Poem for Christmas

What are we celebrating

here and now

with Christmas– 

Christ’s Mass?

A mostly hidden

burst

of God

into the world?

Family unity

pasted together

out of old

quarrels,

new resolutions

to do better

spend more,

gorge together?

What are we celebrating 

here and now?

What are we celebrating

here and now?

Fond memories of

Christmas past?

Major profits for

retail stores?

One-day ingathering

of a 

scattered clan?

Birth of a child

who will change 

the world?

What are we celebrating

here and now?

The world says

“Go wild!

Spend too much

money.

Eat too much 

food.

Drink too much

alcohol 

or coffee

or eggnog.

You’re priming the

economic pump – 

Go wild! 

Exceed your income,

Break your diet,

Breach your boundaries,

Smiling!  Smiling! Smiling!

Smiling!

throughout.”

God says –

“Be joyful with 

me!

My Child is born.

I love the world.

So – please – love

my world.

Love my Child.

Love me.

Love your neighbour.

Love yourself.

So – 

What are we celebrating

here and now?

Love?

Let’s love.

Sr. Sue Elwyn, SSJD

Toronto, ON

December, 2012