Here’s a verse I wrote one November day after visiting a shopping mall in Philadelphia:
“Twas the Week of Thanksgiving”
(With apologies to Clement Moore)
(With apologies to Clement Moore)
Twas the week of Thanksgiving
And all through the mall,
Every creature was stirring,
You couldn’t count them all.
And all through the mall,
Every creature was stirring,
You couldn’t count them all.
The kids were there shopping.
Not a one was in school.
They weren’t buying sugar plums.
No, dude, they aint cool.
Not a one was in school.
They weren’t buying sugar plums.
No, dude, they aint cool.
I in my sweater
And long winter coat
Was carrying my lunch tray
And books in a tote.
And long winter coat
Was carrying my lunch tray
And books in a tote.
Around the food court
I went in a tizzy
Seeking a seat.
I was getting quite dizzy.
I went in a tizzy
Seeking a seat.
I was getting quite dizzy.
Then what to my wondering
Eyes should appear?
Eight people were leaving
With all of their gear.
Eyes should appear?
Eight people were leaving
With all of their gear.
I rushed to the table
And there I did find
All the trash and the slop
Of those who just dined.
And there I did find
All the trash and the slop
Of those who just dined.
I sat there despite it
(You take what you can)
And listened to Muzak
‘Bout Frosty Snowman.
(You take what you can)
And listened to Muzak
‘Bout Frosty Snowman.
I wondered if anyone
Knew of the reason
For our celebrating
This holiday season.
Knew of the reason
For our celebrating
This holiday season.
It’s not for St. Nick’las
And stockings with toys
Or even neat presents
For good girls and boys.
And stockings with toys
Or even neat presents
For good girls and boys.
It’s about God the Father
Who sent from above.
His Son, our dear Savior,
Who showed us his love.
Who sent from above.
His Son, our dear Savior,
Who showed us his love.
It’s about the Lord Jesus
Who came as a child.
In Bethlehem stable
He lay meek and mild.
Who came as a child.
In Bethlehem stable
He lay meek and mild.
It’s about the Good News,
As angels did sing,
The peace among people
Christ Jesus did bring.
As angels did sing,
The peace among people
Christ Jesus did bring.
The hustle and bustle,
The noise and the clatter.
The cards and the presents,
They don’t really matter
The noise and the clatter.
The cards and the presents,
They don’t really matter
The most precious gift
Isn’t bought in a store.
It’s given us freely:
New Life evermore.
Isn’t bought in a store.
It’s given us freely:
New Life evermore.
So wish Merry Christmas.
To all, a good night,
But give thanks to Jesus
Who brought us the Light.
To all, a good night,
But give thanks to Jesus
Who brought us the Light.
Read John 1:1-18, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.
Wayne
Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-18&version=NRSV
Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida 