CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Christmas is coming once again
in the air a sense of cheer,
my thoughts drift back to younger days
to the joys of yesteryear.

To a home filled not with luxuries
but with love and life and caring,
a mom and dad who gave their all
with their children ever sharing.

As the holidays came closer
the wood stove glowed near red,
the odour of mom’s baking
of cookies, pies and bread...

Filled every nook and cranny
they were a wondrous sight,
there was love in every morsel
how we longed to take a bite.

We’d spend our days tobogganing
and skating on the frozen pond,
of making angels in the snow
we were all so very fond.

We’d arrive for supper cheeks aglow
from playing in the yard,
our coats and mittens frozen
with ice balls beaded hard.

Daddy laboured long and hard
in a job with little pay,
so quiet, not complaining
of what trial did come his way.

We gazed in wonder at the tree
revelling in its scent,
and dreamed of toys and goodies
our hearts all full, content.

We didn’t see the hours
mom spent sewing late at night,
to make our lovely presents
to our eyes, ‘twas out of sight.

Our gifts were what we needed
each child received the same,
stockings filled with nuts and treats
and delicious candy canes.

Christmas morn we went to Mass
there was magic in the air,
Jesus had come to nestle
in the manger lying there.

In the pews the people sat
love and joy upon their faces,
the miracle happened once again
peace in our hearts He places.

Aunts and uncles, cousins
came to share our Christmas meal,
three sittings not unusual
joyful noise made our heads reel.

Then as the joyous day wound down
reflecting the happiness we’d had,
we thanked God for the best gift
of a loving mom and dad.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Nov. 27, 1997

WELLS OF GRACE

From birth to death the journey long
to help us as we travel on,
are fountains pure, for our delight
keeping Him ever in our sight.

Our Baptism, the first oasis
starts the flow of life-long graces,
erasing the sin that we all share
making one and all His Kingdom's heir.

Penance is that special grace
Jesus’ gift, to clean, erase,
all darkness from His home, our soul
to keep us ever pure and whole.

The Eucharist, the deepest font
fills our hearts deep inner want,
souls give thanks, unending praise
to the Giver of our days.

At Confirmation’s well issues
the Spirit, and His gifts ensue,
seven needs to be fulfilled
to help us do the Father’s Will.

At Matrimony’s well with love
our unions blessed by God above,
to share our days both bleak and gay
rejoice in gifts He sends our way.

From Holy Orders spring the ones
who teach the flock as did the Son,
repeating all His holy deeds
tending to our spiritual needs.

Arriving at the door of death
as we draw near our final breath,
anointed, freed from all our sin
we enter and are born again.

These wells of grace from out His hand
help all His children understand,
the guideposts pointing out the way
to glory for all who love His way.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Nov. 13, 1997

THE INN

In Bethlehem the hour was late
the Father’s Will could no longer wait,
each door was tried, no room to stay
in fatigue, they went upon their way.

Today men’s hearts are just the same
rejecting still, the one who came,
bringing Light and Peace upon the earth
by His poor and humble, royal birth.

Hearts not unlike the stable of yore
dark and cold to the very core,
fearing still to open up and give
a place of rest for Him to live.

The time is now, He comes again
prepare today, a place for Him,
our hearts of all their darkness shorn
inviting Him in, to be reborn.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Nov. 12, 1997

THE INNER ROOM

There is a special place within
each of the Father’s beloved children,
He placed it with such loving care
because His son would indwell there.

And though this place was made for Him
we taint it with an earthly din,
His presence left outside the door
asked not to enter, more and more.

Seeking every worldly thrill
we see not the Father’s will,
the gnawing hunger, never filled
without the one whose blood was spilled.

His peace and joy for which we long
to keep within our soul His song,
will only come when we decide
the heart’s door must be opened wide.

So every morning as we wake
before the days first step we take,
open up the door from deep within
say “Welcome Jesus, enter in”.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Nov. 08, 1997