HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE…A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM DEBBIE AND MIKE

‘Twas five months before Christmas when Debbie said, “Dear,

Have you started our letter for Christmas, this year?”

I said, “Debbie, don’t worry, there are five months to go;

It’s 90 degrees out—there’s still grass I must mow.”

‘Twas four months before Christmas when Debbie said, “Honey,

Have you started our letter? I hope it’s real funny.”

“No, I haven’t,” I said, “There are things to be done;

“And can’t you see, Dear, I’m heading out for my run?”

‘Twas three months before Christmas when Debbie said, “Mike,

Have you started our letter? I’ll help out if you’d like.”

“Debbie,” I answered, “there is really no reason,

To work on our letter, during the Cross Country season.”

‘Twas two months before Christmas when Deb said again,

“Have you started our letter? Should I get you a pen?”

I said, “There’s plenty of time, Deb—just what is your hurry?

Just go and relax, now, there is no need to worry.”

‘Twas a month before Christmas when Debbie said, “Hey!

Thanksgiving is over! Start that letter today!”

With one month to go? I just didn’t see how!

I said, “I wish you’d said something way before now!”

Well, the look that she gave me left nothing to chance;

And I shook as I stood there…and I peed in my pants.

She said not a word but I knew I must go;

As the stain down my pant legs just continued to grow.

I sulked to my room as I thought what to write;

And I knew I was in for a long winter’s night.

There was too much to do! I was feeling so frenzied!

At this time of year, it’s the Jews that I envied!

She just didn’t get it, I continued to pout;

Christmas should not be a time to stress out!

It’s our picture of kids that our friends want to see;

Not some dumb letter that’s been written by me.

But I did what I do when I have a bad day;

I closed my eyes tight and I started to pray.

I prayed for forgiveness for all my bad thoughts;

And I opened my heart and let God call the shots.

And God calmed me down and my mind became clear;

I thought: “This is my chance that God gives me each year.”

To tell all my friends why God came from above;

It was my chance to explain Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

In a world where we cling to the end of our rope;

Through Jesus’ birth we are given new Hope.

We can all rest assured that God will stay near;

With Hope in our hearts, we have nothing to fear.

We pray to our God, “Will these wars ever cease?”

And God sent us Jesus—the true Prince of Peace!

And Jesus’ answer is simple and free;

Peace, Jesus teaches, has to start here with me.

And we go through our lives searching where to find Joy;

When it’s here, still among us, through the birth of that Boy!

Jesus is here! Look around! You will see!

And where you find Jesus, that’s where true Joy will be.

God knows all our hearts and God knows we are weak;

And God knows without Jesus, our futures are bleak.

So, God came as Jesus, from heaven above;

Then died on the cross—and that is true Love!

Yes, Jesus, the Christ Child, was born Christmas Day;

He was sent here on earth to take all sin away.

He came to forgive and to our spirits uplift;

Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are a true Christmas gift.

Then Debbie walked in, and asked how I was doing;

“Is our letter done, yet? Is it ready for viewing?”

“OUR letter?” I thought…”What part had she done?”

I had many words in my head but, instead, I said none.

She read it all through and became quite enraged;

“Do you think you should say, Mike, that Josh is engaged?!

You never once talked of the events of our life.”

“Maybe, next year,” I thought, “I’ll talk of my second ex-wife!”

But we, finally, agreed that everything was okay;

And I was, now, done with a very long day.

But as I got up, Deb had one thing to add;

“Mike, wash those pants, take a shower! You smell really bad!”

                                                                                                 Merry Christmas from Debbie and Mike

I love this. Thanks for reminding us of the real reason for the season. In spite of everything that’s happened this year I feel better thanks to you Mike. You have a real gift. Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄

Love this!  Thanks for sharing.

I had many words in my head but, instead, I said none.

 

 

Good thinking in that line.

Great letter.

Like x 10

Read your letter Christmas morning. Funny and in its own special way inspirational as well. A merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family.