Rolfe's

Rolfe's

My Favorite Christmas Poem

The Stranger

At Christmas time there was a man who looked so out of place
as people rushed about him at a hurried sort of pace.
He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,
the shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,
some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.
They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way,
to fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from the stereo was playing loud and clear
of Santa Claus, and snowmen, and a funny nosed reindeer.
He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,
of parties, fun and food galore, and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know whats going on," the man was heard to say,
"There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.
And would you tell me who this is, all dressed in red and white?
And why are children asking him about a special night?"

The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ear!
I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here;
The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys,
when they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he leaves them books and toys."

"The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly.
The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.
His gift packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer
as he flies quickly through the air, while darting here and there."

"The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small.
When Christmas comes, he is the most important one of all!!!"

The stranger hung his head in sorrow, he closed a nail-pierced hand.
His body shook in disbelief, He did not understand.
A shadow crossed his stricken face, his voice was low but clear.
"After all these years, they still don't know,"
And Jesus shed a tear.

I read this poem every year in our 24 days of Christmas book. Every year it makes me cry. It touches my heart so much. I am thankful for Christ. All he did for me , my loved ones and friends. I hope that we all remember the real reason we celebrate this holiday. And pass along to our little ones the true meaning and traditions of the season.

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