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Parkes Phoenix

Christmas Thoughts

December 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

It’s time to lift our spirits, raise a glass to happiness.
For Christmas is upon us, when joys o’ertop our stress.
Time to embrace Santa, reindeer, snow and Christmas cards
(Though the greeny-greys and browns outside sometimes make it hard)
Time for harvesting, for gathering in
Be it grain, or the year’s ideals.
Though some deny it, many share the excitement that I feel.

Current happenings in our world we find a little fearsome
Package up your doubt and fears,
But don’t put them on the tree.
Place boxes holding Peace and Joy,
Or filled with Love to spare.
Then watch those first two slink away
They have no business there.

Welcome all our newcomers, it’s sometimes hard to do.
To reach out from our safe little world
When beset by changes new.
But new friends bring a richness
That may catch us unaware.
As we swap our knowledge, we may find It’s a privilege to share.

Be humble, but not servile. We should all feel satisfaction
When good comes from a word or deed
A comfort, a kind action.
It isn’t glory-seeking, it’s a case of “job well done”
The profit is the thanks you get – it comes back to everyone.
Nurture friends, and help them,
You will get the same from them.
Remember, times were also tough in the days of Bethlehem.

Enough lecturing – It’s Christmas time!
Leave behind all thought of stress.
What matters if it’s noisy? Christmas wrappings make a mess.
It’s time for joyous homecomings
Laughter, peace and simple fun.
My message to you all is… GOD BLESS YOU – EVERYONE!

By Heather Veal

Filed Under: Articles, General Interest, Letters to the Editor

Click here to download the recent issue (186) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (2.1MB PDF) – 24th April 2026

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