We write and read many Christmas stories, but Christmas poems are also high in number and well-known. Perhaps one of the oldest and greatly loved is "The Night Before Christmas" written by Clement Moore for his children in the mid-19th century. It's lived on right into our own 21st century of today.
There are many other poems that highlight the Christmas holiday. Some are religious while others depict the joy and warmth of the holiday. Consider the lyrics of the Christmas songs and hymns. They are, in reality, a poem of sorts. Some were poems that later were set to music.
On Christmas Day, 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem we know today as "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." The Civil War raged, and his heart was heavy with concern for his wounded soldier son, as well as the injustice of the war. His poem evolved into a beloved hymn.
Many children's picture books are written in poetic form, or narrative verse.
Today begins Christmas week, when we know the celebration draws near, when tasks must be finished before the gathering of families. I'm sharing the one Christmas poem I have written below. It is a prayer turned into poetry and a reminder to remember what it is Christians celebrate at Christmas.
The Bells Of Christmas
Keep Christmas in my heart, Lord.
Help me remember the love and joy
that Advent season brings each year.
Let me hear the bells of Christmas
long after the sacred day is done,
ring them loud, ring them clear.
I want to celebrate your birthday
each and every day, if only quietly.
Let me not forget the beloved tale.
If I spread the love of Christmas
all January, June and hot July,
will its message sound as dear?
Keep Christmas in my heart, Lord.
Ring the bells of Christmas softly,
hold them close so that I may hear.
When everyday cares and woes
push the Christmas story far away,
let the blessed bells bring it back again.
Keep Christmas in my heart, Lord.
I'll ring the chimes for those who've
not yet heard the message of the bells.
...Nancy Julien Kopp (c)
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