What’s all the hectic rush and worry?
Where go these crowds who run and scurry?
Why all the lights—the Christmas trees?
The jolly "fat man", tell me please!
Why, don’t you know? This is the day
For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do you say?
But where is Christ this Christmas day?
Has He been lost among the throng?
His voice drowned out by empty song?
No, He’s not here—you’ll find Him where
Some humble soul now kneels in prayer,
Who knows the spirit of Christmas.
But see the many aimless thousands
Who gather on this Christmas Day,
Whose hearts have never been opened,
Or said to Him, "Come in to stay."
In countless homes the candles burning,
In countless hearts expectant yearning
For gifts and presents, food and fun,
And laughter till the day is done.
But not a tear of grief or sorrow
For Him so poor He had to borrow
A crib, a colt, a boat, a bed
Where He could lay His weary head.
I’m tired of all this empty celebration,
Of feasting, drinking, recreation;
I’ll go instead to Calvary.
And there I’ll kneel with those who know
the meaning of that manger low,
And find the Christ—this Christmas.
I leapt by faith across the years
To that great day when He appears
The second time, to rule and reign,
To end all sorrow, death and pain.
In endless bliss we then shall dwell
With Him who saved our soul from hell,
And worship Christ—not Christmas!
M. R. De Haan, M.D.
Founder, Radio Bible Class