CHRISTMAS EYES

                  (Idella Anderson)

            

            The cynic sees in Christmas just the glitter and display,

            The miser sees the foolishness of giving things away.

            The teacher sees the burden of a program, tree or play.

            While the merchant sees his balance at the close of each hard 
            day.

            The glutton sees the table spread with everything complete

            To satisfy the appetite—rich pastries, savory meat.

            The child sees only toy land, oranges, nuts, and candies sweet,

            And a jolly rotund Santa Claus a-jingling down the street.

            The seamstress sees the garments to be finished without fail,

            The “Martha” sees the cooking, cleaning—all that guests entail.

            The needy sees his poverty, hears his hungry child’s sad wail.

            The worldling sees gay parties lasting till the stars grow pale.

            But the Christian sees the manger, sees the Holy Child within,

            With the shepherds and the wise men hears the angels’ 
            wonder hymn

            Sees how dark would be the picture if all this had never been,

            Then in humble adoration bows the knee and worships Him.

            (With thanks to https://humston.blogspot.com)