The Christmas Tree by Donna (Ensign) Woods

The scent of pine fills the air...
Ornaments hung with loving care.
Delicate hues of hand-blown glass
...Keepsakes from the past.
A display of dazzling lights,
To warm the heart on wintery nights.
Decorations crafted by tiny hands,
Glitter and glue and rubber bands.
Shimmering tinsel of silver and gold
Cascading from boughs that gently hold....
The sweet jingle of a Christmas bell,
And a priceless story to tell...
...For deep within this festive display,
Is a reminder, of another day.
A splintered cross...no boughs of green,
No twinkling lights to be seen.
Twisted thorns, in place of tinsel bright
...The Earth trembling on a starless night.
Imagine Christ...hanging on that Christmas tree
His out-stretched arms, for the branches we see.
A satin tree skirt, carefully spread.
For drops of blood from hands and head....
Packages wrapped with holiday flair
A symbol of love He came to share.
From the cradle...to the cross...
He came...even knowing the cost.
As you gather 'round the Christ Child's tree
Look beyond, lighted boughs you see.
Unwrap His gifts of eternal love,
As angels fill the skies above.
Accept His gifts on Christmas morn
...Remembering the reason Christ was born...