Christmas 1991 (already married for seven years), with our first son Paul (then 8 months old).
*****
Many times I’ve reflected, gazing at a sparkling Scotch pine tree or by a cozy fire,
How blessed I’ve been with you by my side, during Advent and Christmastime.
Each year it’s so lovely to ponder baby Jesus or listen to carols sung by a choir,
With the one I adore; sharing our holiday experiences so treasured and sublime.
***
At first it was just the two of us; as young marrieds our focus was on each other;
Then when the 90s came, Christmas became more complete with three lively sons.
With the new millennium, God also sent us a daughter to join her three brothers,
And December “family time” each year was all the more filled with love and fun.
***
With three children “all growed up” now: one even starting out with his new wife,
It’s like the “old days” again: just you and I taking in Yuletide sights and sounds.
Treasuring the four wonderful children raised, we’re entering a new phase of life,
As grandparents soon; celebrating the birth of our Lord; grace and peace abound.
***
Time together alone grows all the more tender and sweet as the long years go by,
Especially at Thanksgiving, birthdays, and Christmas: hearts intertwined by love.
Adding up all the memories of holidays past, gazing at photos with wistful sighs,
We thank God for all our blessings, happiness, and faith: all granted from above.
***
We’ve survived life’s tragedies, frustrations: always coming through somehow,
Trying our best to keep the joy of this special time of the year front and center.
How I cherish all of our great “precious moments,” both in the past and now,
Looking forward to future Christmas seasons, as the “autumn years” we enter.
***
Written on 3 December 2016, in time for Judy’s birthday on the 9th!
***
To read my previous 13 Christmas poems (featuring six “biblical narrative” poems)and a lot of other old-fashioned, sentimental, and Christian Christmas material, see my Christmas web page.
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