On Finding Christmas Joy

'how impossible' I ponder as I bake and decorate, 'joy would be, but for love first!'

Oh, hunt in vain, dear one, in vain

Joy is not a shopping cart

Its happiness is not for sale

We can’t purchase ‘peace of heart’

It won’t melt on tongues like sugar

Or festive-shaped shortbread cheer

Joy is not in Christmas carols

Touted, shouted once a year

Ring those bells and wrap a present

String those merry lights above

You will never be a peasant

If you have a heart of love

Love alone is joy’s inception

All the trimmings make us glad

If we first find satisfaction

In the Love, like Jesus had

So, let hearts be like a manger

A cradle for heaven’s boy

Then, and only then forever

Will we find true Christmas joy

© Janet Martin