The Christmas Situation

I wrote this on a particularly cold and dreary Christmas Eve several years ago, when I was feeling a bit discouraged. Don’t get me wrong–I don’t actually hate Christmas. I do have many fond Christmas memories, but sometimes it seems the societal pressure to be here or there, or do this or that, or have certain kinds of gifts or ceremonies can take some of the joy from the simplicity of the season. I posted this on my tech blog previously, but I thought it would be fitting to post it again here for the season.

The Christmas Situation

It’s a day that’s filled with consternation
Of family fuddles and frustration.
The tinseled tree and decorations
Hardly mask the aggravation
Of myriad onerous obligations.

Since when was our capitulation
To this most voluntary of taxations?
To lavish our remuneration
On social or familial placation
And unnecessary accutrementation?

Now, listen to my observation:
Such a scandalous subjugation
To foolish, giddy dissipation,
I can in no wise, sanction,
On a day that was for celebration.

If I am not to be mistaken,
We commemorate the Incarnation:
Immanuel’s manifestation,
On this day of angel’s jubilation
And wise men’s quiet meditation.

If only we had undertaken
To hear His voice in invitation,
This time would hold my appreciation.
But to this present, worldly situation
I hereby declare my insubordination.

Let’s take time for some relaxation,
Worship, praise and inspiration;
Fellowship in congregation,
Engage in pleasant conversation,
And start a Christmas reformation.

(It’s with a bit of hesitation
That I post this dissertation.
I don’t seek your approbation,
Nor to start a conflagration,
But this matters amelioration.)

Daniel McFeeters