You Are Christmas

To all of the first responders
Laboring in the icy night in an hour of unexpected need
While their children get tucked into bed
In the blanket sleepers...

You are Christmas.

To all the caregivers
Who make Christmas happen
Even when their hearts are heavy and
Moments of rest too few…

You are Christmas.

To all the suffering
Who rise to the occasion
With a smile or a simple gift
Or permission for others 
To celebrate without them…

You are Christmas.

To all the doctors, nurses and hospice workers
Whose own trees go undecorated and gifts go unsent
Because it seems every year
The hospitals are full at holiday time...

You are Christmas.

To all the parents
Who recapture the innocence of the season
For the sake of their children
With a song, a story, a silly ritual…

You are Christmas.

After all, it was never about the strong, the powerful, the rich,
The proud,
It was always about the humble, the faithful, the courageous,
The quiet, hopeful ones.
The scared young family standing in wonder at the manger,
Trusting, holding faith, believing in good,

Believing in love.

From both of us – Merry Christmas,

Diane and Wes Fisher