Many years ago, Peter Marshall’s sermon published in a tiny book called Let’s Keep Christmas joined what was then my small collection of Christmas books.  There are many more books now, but the truths written on its pages make this one of my favorite to read during Advent.  “…we will not spend Christmas…nor observe Christmas.  We will keep Christmas – keep it as it is…in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions.  May we keep it in our hearts, that we may be kept in its hope.”  ~ Peter Marshall.   Another favorite book is You Can Choose Christmas, by Clyde Reid.   I think the words of both were in my mind when I wrote the following poem. 

                                              I Will Keep Christmas

I will keep Christmas

Waiting like a child on tiptoe

Eyes wide, watching for the wonder

Reaching for the light.

Waiting like a child on tiptoe
 Heart full of anticipation
 Reaching for the light
 Singing, praying, hoping

 Heart full of anticipation
Eyes wide, watching for the wonder.

 Singing, praying, hoping
 I will keep Christmas.