Written by Matthew Tolbert
Every year I write a poem for the holidays
and send it with my Christmas cards. Here is the most current:
September 25, 2003
Dear Lord, help us look beyond wrapped presents,
Away from shiny, ornamental trees,
From feral shopping and hope-filled merchants,
Past strings of colored lights, and watched chimneys.
Direct our eyes towards gifts that come from You,
Gifts known and gifts unseen or just assumed.
They overflow our prayers and each day too,
Gifts like a flower that’s forever bloomed.
Oh Christ, let us give You thanks and praise for:
Unconditional, everlasting love,
A guiding hand from an alert Savior,
A path to an eternal life above,
Acceptance though we’re broken,
wrong and flawed,
Forgiveness that arises from the cross,
The freedom now to choose to serve one God,
Your healing carries us when we feel loss,
The privilege to speak to You through prayer,
You cradle all our worries, fears, and qualms,
While faith’s a worthwhile quest with You we share,
Your reaching out to us with wounded palms,
A trust based on Your promises and Word,
Inside the Bible, answers will befall,
Needs cared for by a vigilant shepherd,
Yet the best gift is You, bestowed to all.
And Jesus, teach us all to share these gifts,
As You forgive, teach us forgiveness too,
As You assist, guide us to souls that drift,
For as we give, these gifts return to You. Amen.
Dedicated to my Lord, Jesus Christ, who has filled my life
with gifts every day.
