What Christmas Is

By Carol Crain

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.