But are we the rabbit
Or are we the magician?

Oh, no, my dear
You've misunderstood.
We're the hat!
And there're many more wonders within!

Treacle-ly can be nice
Treacle-ly will be sweet
But never when making decisions
Don't treacle when we meet

When does a gift given become a gift received?
If a gift is not accepted, is it a gift indeed?
If a gift is left unopened is the gifting actually achieved?

(Is a gift not a gift if it is rejected?
Does it lose its giftedness when refused or neglected?)

Does the gift itself retain some kinetic gifted energy?
Or does it need the active catalyst of reception
to truly be the gift that its giver intends it to be?

This Christmas be sure to accept your full responsibility
to receive with a fully open heart as well as open hands
this gift I give to you from me.

(I've left the receipt in the bag.)

No, I'm not hungry.
But my taste buds are testy
for tasty
My jaw is itchy
for chewy
My nose is tingly
for the aromatherapy
of rich and meaty

No, I'm not hungry.
But my stomach aches
for feasty.

Christmas is a construct
We've been listening to lies
There's no reindeer in the stable
Santa wasn't any Magi

Jesus got no Christmas stocking
He had nothing to unwrap
The Kings, they turned up later
And that manger was cold and damp

Christmas is a construct
There was no snowy frost
Joseph wasn't draping tinsel
He wasn't rushing up the shops

And Jesus wasn't quiet
He kept them all awake
Like any other baby
He didn't sleep til daybreak

There were no holly berries
No mistletoe or ivy
No pine tree in the corner
At that first nativity

But that sudden choir of angels.
The promised ****** birth
Yes, all that really happened
God did send peace on earth

There's much we have constructed
Even more that we've left out
But Christ remains in Christmas
That's what it's all about

God coming as a child
God reaching down with favour
God with us. Yes: Immanuel
Our promised Christmas Saviour.

It only takes a small cut
  It only takes a soft word
in the right spot
  in the right ear
to sink deep
  to sink in
and scar for good.
  and bring healing.

Not joy in a bottle, but Joy in a manger.
Not tied with a bow, but wrapped a lot tighter.

Not dependant on snow, the turkey or gifts.
But Joy that out-lasts the toys and the myths.

Not under a tree or mistletoe sprig.
But Joy that stays longer and seeps down deep.

Not dependent on feeling or temporary cheer.
But Joy from a Saviour who will always stay near.

He's the Joy who outlasts.  
Joy who gifts meaning.
Joy gifted from Heaven.  
The true Joy of the season.