This year I
wanted to write a meaningful piece for Christmas Eve; something wondrous and magical
that reflects the spirit of the season. Alas, nothing original came—but I remembered
a poem that was written by the late John Denver and performed on a TV special
with the Muppets many years ago (John
Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together). I’m unsure that it’s as
powerful in writing as it was when he read it aloud, but the sentiment speaks
to my wish for the holiday this year, so I thought I’d share.
Merry Christmas, with love.
* * *
Did you ever
hear the story of the Christmas tree that didn’t want to change the show?
He liked living
in the wood, he liked icicles and snow.
He liked wolves
and eagles and grizzly bears, and critters and creatures that crawl.
Why, bugs were
some of his very best friends, spiders and ants and all.
Now that’s not to
say that he ever looked down on twinkle lights
Or mirrored
bubbles and peppermint canes and a thousand other delights,
And he often had
dreams of tiny reindeer and a jolly old man in a sleigh
Full of toys and
presents and wonderful things, and the story of Christmas Day.
Oh, Alfie believed
in Christmas, all right. He was full of Christmas cheer
All of each and
every day, all throughout the year.
To him it was
more than a special time, much more than a special day.
It was more than
a beautiful story; it was a special kind of way.
You see, some
folks have never heard a jingle bell ring and they’ve never heard of Santa Claus.
They’ve never
heard the story of the Son of God, and that made Alfie pause:
Did that mean
that they’d never know of peace on earth or the brotherhood of man,
Or how to love
or know how to give? If they can’t, no one can.
You see, life is
a very special kind of thing, not just for a chosen few,
But for each and
every living breathing thing, not just me and you.
So in your
Christmas prayers this year, Alfie asked me if I’d ask you
To say a prayer
for the wind and the water and the wood—and those who live there too.
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