Christmas is Coming by Glynis M. Belec

Christmas is coming 
The geese are getting fat. 
Please put a penny in the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny then a ha'penny will do.
If you haven't got a ha'penny then God Bless You.


When I was a child I recited poetry and ditties unabashedly. We played skip and tossed balls against the wall to the beat of school yard chants. Sometimes I didn't fully understand what I was saying, but I knew it was appropriate for the game.

 This Christmas ditty that I remember well always troubled me a little. I am not completely sure why it bothered me so much but I think it had something to do with the fat goose and the poor man.

Now that I am all grown up and half a dozen steps over the half century mark I think I have it figured out. Well, maybe not all figured out. But perhaps my life experiences coupled with the state of the world gives me a better understanding of how to treat our fellow man.

As I have quietly observed lately, the advertising frenzy of this Christmas season only serves to multiply the greed. Subliminally, we are convinced that we need any or all of the latest technological wizardry, the finest wine or spirits; the brand name labels for everything from clothing to vehicle and more. And if we don't get it we are counted in the with the deprived and underprivileged. The focus is on getting rather than giving. When I think like this I don't particularly look forward to Christmas.

How far that is from the way Jesus intended it to be.

I suppose I have two choices - I can join in or I can step back. Because I step back, it doesn't mean I am setting myself apart as something special, though. But rather it means I am taking the time to savour the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That beautiful Babe swaddled tightly. That feels so much more real than giving into the demands of the tyranny of consumerism.  

Did Jesus smell like a baby - or was the aroma that of heaven? Did Jesus cry - or was He the perfect child? Did Jesus ever get an ear infection? A tummy ache? Did He sleep through the night? Did he get cranky when His teeth came in? Oh how I love to wonder.

How mesmerizing it is to consider the birth and young life of Jesus. I sometimes find myself getting wrapped up in the busyness of the season - which sort of goes with the territory in busy families and today's society. But how wonderful and much more hopeful I feel during this blessed season once I manage to get beyond the tinsel and the pretty lights and shift my focus to the Reason.

I've decided to challenge myself to take a moment each day leading up to Christmas to celebrate and anticipate the hope that Jesus still offers today. And when I have the opportunity, I will give up a ha'penny or two and toss it in the 'old man's hat' so to speak. I will do this not out of obligation, but out of sheer joy and gratitude to the King of Kings. When I think like this I look forward to Christmas. I suppose that could be because of the peace that passes some of my understanding.


 For unto us a Child is born. A Saviour has come. Joy unbridled.


Christmas is coming
May God Bless you!

~ Glynis M. Belec