‘Twas the night before Christmas Eve services
(with apologies to Clement Moore)
'Twas the
night before Christmas Eve services, when all through the city
every
creature seemed anxious, hurrying to get ready.
The
bulletins were printed, the sermon prepared,
in hopes
that parishioners would feel that God cared.
My baking
was wrapped, including communion bread,
while visions
of leftovers danced in my head.
And I and my
man, John, with a stack of DVDs
had just
settled down, when I heard on the TV:
“Sales for
the season are less than expected
so more jobs
in many sectors are to be eliminated.
Meanwhile executives’
salaries are rising again
in addition
to big bonuses and stock dividends.”
Well, trying
to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,”
I started to
feel lots of guilt and some strife.
Were my
homemade gifts and attempts at simple living
really
responsible for the economy dwindling?
Did the fact
that I didn’t buy from catalogs or malls
contribute
significantly to millions’ downfalls?
Would the
season’s reason not be completed
until
end-of-year figures had been calculated?
Where’s the
good news of great joy for all people
amid the bad
news leaving everyone fearful?
When what to
my wandering mind should appear
but
alternative newscasts I’d like to hear:
“Corporations
began tithing their before-tax profits
and gave
every worker a bonus and chocolates.
The
Salvation Army’s had no robberies this year,
and the City
Mission is swamped with volunteers.
“Congregations
of all brands, pooling their resources,
have so much
to give—they can offer folks choices.
Soup
kitchens gladly are doubling their recipes
as haves and
have-nots come together to eat.
“In other
news, it’s noted throughout the whole land
folks
sharing holiday meals with those outside their clan.
Clothing
closets are getting space and donations
from major
department stores across the nation.
“Soldiers
home from Iraq and Afghanistan have been called up for duty
distributing
toys for children—there’s so much booty!
Meanwhile
Wall Street reported very sharp declines
in the sales
of cigarettes, liquor, beer, and wine.
“Also down
are purchases of guns both real and toy,
while
children’s books are in demand by every girl and boy.
The U.S.
Congress, right before it adjourned,
passed gun-control
laws. The N.R.A. is said to feel spurned.
“Depression
is dwindling, contributions are rising,
the drop in
domestic violence and drunk driving’s surprising.
Hospitals,
fire and police stations are quiet,
but temples,
mosques, and churches are so packed—clerics riot!
“With folks
of all creeds letting go and relaxing
the holidays
are proving to be not so taxing.”
So, fellow dreamer
of putting the world to rights,
Merry
Christmas to you, and to you a good night!
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