Advent Greetings …

This week I thought I’d share a Christmas poem with you.  Tui shared this with the Ladies Fellowship me.  It was written by Charis Waddy, a Christian and British author, known to Jim and Tui.  Thanks to Tui for this poem.

The olive, the palm and the little fir tree
   grew close by the inn of an ancient city,
Saw Mary and Joseph arrive at the stable
Saw Shepherds and Wise Men give all they were able.
“Now, what would He like as a present from me?”
   said the olive, the palm and the little fir tree.

“This branch to shield from the sun,” said the palm,
“Choice oil,” said the olive, “to be for a balm.”
The fir tree was silent; it nothing was able
   to give to the babe as He lay in the stable.
“So prickly and sticky it’s shameful to be!”
   said the olive and palm to the little fir tree.

The angels came down to sing once again.
They passed by the fir tree, and heard it complain,
“While all bring their presents, I nothing am able
   to give that sweet Babe as He lies in the stable.”
Strait up went the angels, new blessings to free
Small stars they showered down on the little fir tree.

The baby looked up, and He laughed with delight.
Each twig had a star that was twinkling bright.
So at Christmas we sinners, who know we’re not able
   to bring worthy gifts to the Babe in the stable,
   take courage to ask for the gifts that should be,
   and find them by grace, like the little fir tree.

Blessings – Heather (she/her).