Peace on the earth, good will to man.
The carols float upon the air.
Lights hang on trees or outline eaves,
to celebrate that Christmas star.
Yet somehow in our eager haste;
as rushing through the streets we go.
We find our lives have lost that theme
that was our gift, so long ago.
We race to buy, we write and sign.
We bustle, wrap and hide away.
We bake and clean and decorate
but seldom think about The Day.
For after all, whatever creed
or course that we decide to steer.
The story of the stable babe
has messages for all to hear.
So take the time to think about
a message simple yet so clear.
That all mankind could live in peace
If we could learn to love, not fear.
David Garlick, Victoria, December, 1988
To the tune of ” I heard the bells on Christmas day” Longfellow.