The gift of Christmas

We haven't sent any Christmas cards this year ... so please don't take it personally that you haven't received one! Instead, this blog post brings you all my best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

After adventures on Eurostar struggling through snow to get back to the UK for the last couple of Christmasses, it has been very strange this year to be preparing for Christmas in tropical heat. In spite of all the Christmas decorations, carols and parties, it somehow hasn't quite felt like it can possibly be nearly Christmas when it is this hot! It is this strangeness which was the initial inspiration for this year's Christmas poem and the accompanying picture.

The gift of Christmas

As Christmas time approaches

And the cold, dark nights draw in

Curled up beside the flickering firelight

Watching snowflakes begin to fall

In a swirling of frosty blue

And dazzling white

Comes the warm golden glow

Of the gift of Christmas

The warmth of a fire of burning love

Of a comforting spirit of hope

Wonder and joyfulness

Warming hearts and souls

Cradled in a manger in a stable

Cradled in a heart full of love

Is the bright warm flame

Of the gift of Christmas

As Christmas time approaches

And the sun still beats down hard

Stretched out beneath the canopy of shadows

Watching palm trees rustle and wave

In a haze of dreamy yellow

And fiery red

Comes the cool silver light

Of the gift of Christmas

The freshness of a breath of inspiring change

Of an unsettling spirit of challenge

Newness and vitality

Refreshing hearts and souls

Cradled in a manger in a stable

Cradled in a heart full of energy

Is the cool refreshing breeze

Of the gift of Christmas