'Traditions For My Christmas Soul' Poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen

What traditions to count
When Christmas comes?
Awake, oh my Soul, to mark
Advent with lights of candles
And sing the Advent songs
of waiting and great expectation.

Rise up, oh my Soul, and in the
forest find a lovely tree
And perfect it with hangings
and trimmings from your creative
fingers, and underneath
adorn it with wrapped presents
to be opened by your loved ones.

Awake, oh my Soul, from boredom
and stress in everyday life
to this magic of lights, and fellowship
in church songs, prayers and service
to celebrate the birth of Jesus-
The Savior and Emmanuel-
as God's great gift to mankind.