You Can't Buy Me Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the mall,
Not a creature was idle,shoppers least of all;
The merchandise was placed in the windows with care,
In hopes that great sale shoppers soon would be there.
The parents were hoping
to keep out of the red,
While visions of tax returns
danced in their heads;
And Ma in her overcoat
and Pa in his fleece,
Headed to the mall
despite a tight winter squeeze.
When out from the womenswear,
there arose such a clatter,
We looked up from our wares
to see what was the matter.
Away to the sales rack
we flew like a flash,
Tore off the clothing
and paid it with cash.
The moms with kids were all in tow,
The stores were all aglow,
When all at once
we saw him appear,
A fat old man
with a great white beard!
With all the bustle
so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment
it was just a trick.
Ten bucks for a photo,
on the lap of a man?
Better to catch bargains
and shop while we can!
"Now Visa! Now Mastercard!
And American Express!
On Discover, on bank cards,
on personal checks!
To the front of the line,
to the front of the store!
I want it all!
And I want it more!
As we marched to the car
with bags in our hands,
We were startled to see
a hungry old man.
As he watched us walk past,
down his face rolled a tear.
His clothes were dull rags,
and no one drew near.
And suddenly,
we felt so ashamed.
The fake glow from the stores
had already waned.
For here was someone
who reminded us so dear,
Of One who had come
to end all our fear.
And lo! Above the mounting
spectacle of greed,
Shone a bright star
for all to take heed;
That Christmas is more
than material things,
It is Him who we celebrate,
and the joy that He brings.
~Grace Chiang
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Background & Graphic Courtesy of:
Moose Creek Originals