Stories In The Christmas Crowd

 

Pumpkins, turkeys and the colors of fall,

are all put away, shoppers head to the mall.

Hustling and bustling, running fast for a deal,

I’m in the food court, enjoying a meal.

The mall is decorated in tinsel and light,

it’s sparkle, such a pretty sight.

the air hums soft with caroled song,

as hurried footsteps move along

I’m watching the shoppers,

young and old in the crowd,

I hear laughter and crying,

it’s really quite loud

What is the story of the people I see?

Are they happy, are they sad?

do they have a family?

A weary mother with a list in hand,

her patience stretched like a rubber band,

two children giggle by her side,

a joy in their voices that can’t be denied.

A husband smiling, for the purchase he made,

a scarf for his wife, in the perfect shade.

There are lights and glitter, a strong scent of pine

 I see kids anxiously waiting for Santa in line.

On a bench, a woman sits 

with her coat pulled tight,

escaping the chill of this

cold winter night.

Hand in hand, 

young lovers stroll,

finding the perfect gift

is their goal.

teens walking and texting,

In faded, ripped jeans,

they never look up,

eyes glued to their screens.

Each life a book, each look a page,

some filled with love, some lined with age.

and though our paths may never cross, 

I feel their laughter, tears and loss.

No matter what their stories are,

or how they’ve traveled, near or far,

I pray they feel, through all the fuss,

the love of Christ who came for us.

Jesus is the true meaning

of Christmas after all,

it’s not the lights, bows and ribbons

found here at the mall

I stand and leave the crowded place,

And quietly pray they’ll feel God’s grace,

each life I’ve seen feel joy that never ends,

the gift of Christ, our truest friend.