A Christmas Wish 2004 Poem by Marquita Lawson

I won't look for joy in the glitter of light
Or in a new fallen snow on Christmas night,
Or in cut trees garnished with tinsel galore,
Or in gifts that are wrapped or sales at a store.
I won't look for joy in the things I have learned,
Or in scents of candles that I've burned,
Or in how many times I've wished on a star,
Or in how many cards I've received from afar.

All that I try for - all my hands have done,
All of my laboring under the sun,
Is simply vanity striving after the wind…
A fruitless result - caused by my sin.
My greatest intention cannot be blessed
Until it is placed at His feet to rest.
The journey for pleasure is over and done…
This lifetime of joy has only begun

Where I find joy is not to be seen…
It's being a witness to the real Christmas scene.
To know that God loves us so much He would give
His precious Son, Jesus, that we all would live.
This kind of joy can't be taken away…
It's a light that burns brightly by night and by day.
It cannot be purchased with money we earn…
It's a gift freely given - turning cold hearts to warm.

This joy flows outward from those who believe;
Not exclusively used on Christmas Eve.
It glows in hearts with love for each other.
It's warmed in the friendships of sisters and brothers.
Flying high above burdens, it soars through the sky,
It comes to the faithful - no need to ask why.
It bonds us together, through thick and through thin…
It's Christ's Living Spirit dwelling within.

So, friend, this Christmas season, my wish for you
Is continual joy and fellowship, too.
It may be by e-mail, snail-mail and then
It may be a visit from family or friend.
May God bless each moment and heal you complete;
May He reward you with joy, abundantly sweet.
Your burden, I pray, is a fire burnt out…
Loves' Living Testimony to all who may doubt!

'Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and a striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun' (Ecclesiastes 2: 11) .

Inspired by faith of a friend during his recovery