Tuesday, December 22, 2009

This Year at Christmas Time

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

Thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Clause,

my decorating has no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son

This is just a little of how I am feeling this year and I know many of you don't understand this but maybe when you send out your first missionary you will. Merry Christmas!!!

12 comments:

Sherrie said...

What a beautiful post. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas Season.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like the best Christmas ever. Thank you for your thoughts and your gift.

Kaylynn said...

That's a beautiful poem.

Lara Neves said...

My first brother to serve a mission also went into the MTC right before Christmas. My mom was a wreck. I remember she couldn't stop crying after we got home from the MTC and my grandma forced her to go to a funny movie. You need to laugh! she told her.

It's hard, but it will go quickly for you!

Audrey said...

that was beautiful :)

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Oh my goodness, what an amazing post!!!!!!!!! I love it! Merry Christmas!

Andrea said...

Very sweet post.

alpinekleins said...

Beautiful and tender thoughts - and I completely understand them. I also think the first one is the hardest :) I'll be thinking about you. From one mom to another, I so appreciate your sacrifice. It's such a big thing for mom's to let their sons go for two years, but I do know that Heavenly Father is especially mindful of mom's, and appreciates the sacrifice greatly as well. I've experienced an increased love from a Heavenly Father who steps in when you least expect it. A big hug for you!

Kristy said...

Love the poem! Did you write it? I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Heatherlyn said...

I enjoyed the poem.

What a growth moment for both you and your son. I hope that you enjoy a beautiful Christmas before you send him out.

tammy said...

This was beautiful! I can only imagine what you're feeling. I'm sure I would want to keep him home almost as much as I'd want him to go.

Cyndie said...

WOW! That is so touching. What a wonderful missionary he is going to make and what a wonderful mom he has!!