I had the great JOY of sharing a special moment with some truly thoughtful 4th grade friends in Mrs. Kids’ class who chose to share the Gift of Words with each other this year.  They opened brightly colored packages containing a poem, quote, book, or song to share with one another.  As one friend noted, “We all get stuff but we rarely spend time sharing thoughts and words together with each other.”  So in the spirit of sharing this blessing of WORDS as we close down our campus for the next two weeks of holiday break, enJOY this little poem written in 1943:

The lights are dim, but atop the tree a star is shining bright;

For in spite of closing darkness, it’s Christmas Eve night.

Small hands clasp at a doll’s soft curl, and small eyes open wide;

And a small heart thrills with happiness at the presents side by side.

But dear little one, the things you have are more than those you see;

The gifts at this Christmastime are not placed upon the tree.

A family close in love and JOY, the care that they each give;

The promise you shall always have, this country in which you live.

Each may have some presents, but yours are more precious dear;

For you give love and hope anew by simply being here.

May we always share the gifts we are given, the JOY of this season of giving, and the blessing of sharing words with each other…  Merry Christmas to all!