Christmas Inventory
by John Janzen © 2022The time has come to drop the tree
As yule-tide carols cease to play
We all take inventory of
Another Christmas day
When glitter all gets swept away
Removed, the garland hung with care
When lights go dim are thoughts of Him
Discovered anywhere?
When tinsel stops refracting light
And gingerbread has run its course
When ornaments are packed away
Has joy then lost its source?
Elaborate meals now hug the waist
And room is sought for things acquired
Are we enriched by stuff received?
Were things what we desired?
The gift of God brought down to earth
In form, a humble baby, small
The world will tolerate the babe
But not the Lord of all
And so we face the choice again
To do His will or choose our own
In storage for another year
Or Lord upon the throne
This poem was a finalist in the
December 2022 poetry contest
