The stranger

At Christmas time there was a man

who looked so out of place,

as people who rushed about him

at a hurried sort of pace.

He stared at all the Christmas lights,

the tinsel everywhere,

The shopping centre, Santa Claus,

with children gathered near.

The Mall was packed with shoppers

who were going to and fro,

Some with smiles and some with frowns

and some too tired to go.

They rested on the benches

or they hurried on their way,

to fight the crowd for purchases

to carry home that day.

The music from a stereo

was playing loud and clear

of Santa Claus, and snow men,

and a funny-nosed reindeer.

He heard the people talk about

the good times on the way,

Of parties, fun, and food galore,

and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know what’s going on,"

the man was heard to say,

"There seems to be some sort

of celebration on the way."

"And would you tell me who this is,

all dressed in red and white?

And why are children asking him

about a special night"?

The answer came in disbelief,

"I can’t believe my ear!

I can’t believe you do not know

that Christmas time is here,

The time when Santa comes around

with gifts for girls and boys,

When they’re asleep on Christmas,

he leaves them books and toys".

"The man you see in red and white

is Santa Claus, so sly,

The children love his joyful laugh

and twinkle in his eye."

"His gift packed sleigh is pulled

along by very small reindeer,

As he flies quickly through the air,

while darting here and there."

"The children learn of Santa

while they are still quite small.

When Christmas comes, he is the

most important one of all."

The stranger hung his head in shame,

he closed a nail-pierced hand.

His body shook in disbelief;

he did not understand.

A shadow crossed his stricken face,

his voice was low but clear,

"After all these years, they still don’t know."

And Jesus shed a tear.