make it all about Jesus … (a short Christmas poem)

December 21, 2016 | 9 comments

I strung all the lights on my pre-lit fake tree
Shopped Amazon Prime ‘cause the shipping is free
I checked in with Pinterest for tablescape trends
Then hustled to mail cards to family and friends
when lo, in my heart there arose a faint sound 
T’was a voice so distinct, with a truth so profound:

“Make it all about Jesus.”

I baked one more batch. (For I thought that I “should.”)
Planned a holiday bash for the whole neighborhood.
Made lists. Secret Santa’d. And found that at night,
I was so stinkin’ weary, I lost my delight!
My Christmas was fueled, by, “Do, do, do, DO!”
The voice came again: “Just BE, for it’s true:

“This is all about Jesus.”

And then one year, I gave up on “should.”
I gave thanks for all that was right, true, and good.
I gave up on hustle. Let strivings all cease.
I lit a small candle, and felt a warm peace.
For at last I had come to know in my heart,
That Christmas can’t fit in a Kohl’s shopping cart.
I heard it once more, that truth that is ageless:

“This Christmas, dear child, make it all about Jesus.”

© Jennifer Dukes Lee, 2016

Make It All About Jesus.

 

Your Turn: 

Share your ideas on how to keep the focus on Christ each Christmas.

 

by | December 21, 2016 | 9 comments

9 Comments

  1. Lynn D. Morrissey

    It certainly is!!!
    Merry Christmas, Jennifer!
    Love
    Lynn

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      We had a nice Christmas. And I hope you did as well, my friend.

      Reply
    • dukeslee

      I hope you had a great Christmas, Michele.

      Reply
  2. Nancy Ruegg

    A quiet time each morning helps to set the tone for the day, focusing my attention on him and what HE would have me do. Key word: helps. I’m still a work in progress, learning to practice his presence and live under his loving control all day long. Thank you for your delightful poem that reminds us: It’s all about Jesus. Merry Christmas, Jennifer, to you and your family!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      To “live under his loving control all day long.” Those words are ministering to me today, Nancy. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Nancy Ruegg

        Praise God you found those words meaningful.

        Reply
  3. Doug Spurling

    If we will just but notice the stars, the moon, and believe it was the same moon that hung over another dark and not so silent night. How on that night the very Light that hung the moon slipped into the skin of a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. Think of how that Babe grew up to say things like, “I AM the Light of the world.”
    Dare to believe what He went on to say: “You are the light of the world.”
    Yes you.
    Yes me.
    Yes, we, can be light.
    Not The Light, but a light.
    As the moon reflects the sun…we, can reflect The Son.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      This is so beautiful, Doug.

      Reply

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