Christmas Message

Beside the doorway a wreath is hung

Of cedar and cones with a tinsel bow,

And a cluster of miniature bells is swung

To tinkle a welcome. Now the snow,

Silently falling, tips with white

Each spray of cedar or tasseled pine;

And covers the doorstep snug and tight

With a snowy coverlet, smooth and fine.

Through the window, lamplight gleams

Warm and golden; its finger seeks

To reach beyond the pane. It seems

The night is articulate, waiting to speak.

Quietly I stand until,

All around in the hush, I hear

That age-old message of "Peace, goodwill"

Breathed into my listening ear.

~ Luella Bender Carr