The still of the nonchalant night

was broken when Christ the babe cried;

angels sang loudly with delight,

shepherds marveled at such a sight.

From the East, they came to pay homage

to the King of kings from age to age,

three wise men had this great privilege

to bless Christ with a quaint gift package.

Only a gift that fits a king

is what the wise men dared to bring;

whether given free, bought or sold,

nothing can compare with pure gold.

Most fragrant are frankincense and myrrh

for the Lord of heaven and earth,

who keeps us safe from all harm

and from whom all good things come.

None can match the wondrous treasure

in Christ Jesus beyond measure;

for each and every Christmas season,

Jesus is the perpetual reason.

Divine treasures are eternal—

no moth or rust can ever destroy;

earthly treasures are temporal—

thieves can steal as per the devil’s ploy.

God’s greatest gift of love to all mankind

is Jesus so human, yet so divine;

much greater than all other things combined,

He is the Way and Truth, the Life, and Vine.

Without presents and Christmas trees,

there can still be love, joy and peace;

but  without the fruit of the Spirit,

by bad elements, we can be hit.

Without Santa Claus and Christmas cards,

Christ can still reign supreme in our hearts;

but if not always in our hearts, Jesus is,

we may not decrease for Him to increase.

Not only meaningful to all Christians,

both young and old, all over the world,

but also wonderful for non-Christians,

Christmas is meant to be perpetual.

The needy, we should often select

to bless throughout and beyond Christmas,

even if others choose to neglect

and  conditions are very adverse.

Much more than revellers and spectators,

this Christmas, we are called to be doers

by sharing God’s blessings without end

and rejoicing in God with all man.

A perpetual Christmas to all,

whether fair or dark, short or tall;

a prosperous and peaceful New Year

to all families far and near.

—submitted by Bernard Lim Kean Hyn, Malaysia