A Christmas Poem

The children all came, the young and the old,
while the warmth of joyful memories stifled the cold.
My wife in her favorite dress and I with suit and tie,
had just made our way to where the oxen and sheep and Christ Child lie.

When out in the night air there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from the kneeler to see what was the matter.
Away to the entrance I flew as with wing,
and flung open the doors to hear the Angels sing.

The moon, so large and so brilliant with light,
illumined the earthen sky like day, that I gasped with fright!
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but Jesus the King of Glory on a cloud mysteriously clear.

Surrounded by nine Choirs of Heaven’s angelic power,
I knew in a moment this was the eternal hour.
More rapid than eagles His seraphs they came,
He spoke not a word, but I could hear the Angels proclaim:

“Hosanna! Hosanna! All praise and glory be,
to the Holy One, the Lord God, the Blessed Trinity!
To the ends of the earth, to the four corners of the land,
all creation stand erect for your Redemption is at hand.”

As all nature is stirred in motionless wind,
I stood there silently trembling, much to my chagrin.
My life passed before my eyes; all was seen and was heard,
and then I heard His Voice, “I Am the Eternal Word!”

My family gathered near, holding hands in silent embrace,
for we lived to see the day long told of the human race.
And even now when all has become so crystal clear,
many were screaming and scrambling about in fear.

My eyes filled with tears ~ my heart grew profoundly sad,
to see so many flailing around as if they had gone mad.
The grinding of teeth and loud wailing all about,
gave witness to Holy Scripture without anymore doubt.

My family and I so blessed and grateful for the love we share,
now stood in awe before the Source of Love ~ we could only stare.
For our eyes beheld this promise of Christ’s return,
and our love overflowed for the One Whom our souls have yearned.

His Presence was more resplendent than any I had ever seen,
and His Sacred Face radiant with splendor, from which all Love gleamed.
His hair and beard shimmered with rivulets of gold,
and His robe of dazzling white transfigured His Sacred Countenance as once foretold.

On His Sacred Head was a Crown .… not of thorn, but of jewel,
yet my memory envisioned that horrid scene once so cruel.
My Lord’s Passion and ignominious death upon a Tree,
transcended space and time and was revealed in perfect clarity.

I understood all things in this moment of trembling and awe,
as my soul encountered its judgment of Divine Merciful Law.
In a flash it was over; my head bowed in sorrow for my sin and shame.
When all of a sudden, the Lord stood before me and gently spoke my name.

“My child, you have done what I asked you to do, and you have done well,
though imperfectly, and at times beguiled by sin, you occasionally fell.
But you persevered; picked up your cross and followed My Way.
And so, I claim you as My own and on My right you will stay.”

“So come and inherit the Kingdom prepared from all time,
come feast at My Table ~ come drink My Choice Wine!
Come revel in My Glory and in the Godhead Three,
with Blessed Mary Our Queen, the Angels and Saints, for all eternity.”