Hannah's Heartstrings

What if Christ were like Santa Claus,
And came to our homes once year?
Would we wait up all night just for a glimpse?
Or when we saw Him, would we stand up and cheer?
Would we spiff up the house, put lights everywhere,
Just to make sure He could see?
And would we wait in long lines at the shopping malls,
For a chance to just sit on His knee?
Would we set out a snack just especially for Him,
And make sure everything was just right?
Would we wait so impaitiently for the time once a year
When Jesus would be here for one night?
What if Christ were like Santa Claus?
Would we spend as much time preparing?
Would we get as dressed up in our best of clothes?
And spend lots of money decorating?
If Christ were to come to earth this Christmas
And ask you if you'd let him in,
Would your home and your heart be open
And ready to welcome Him?


Copyright (c) Hannah McMichael
November 30, 2006


**Written at age 17. This poem made it onto the back of a church bulletin ;) **

She came to me and told me her story
Filled with betrayal and broken trust
She held back her tears as I held her hand
Her good name crushed and scattered as dust
I stared in disbelief; what could I do?
I couldn’t change the rumors that had been spread
All I could do was stand by her side
As she tried to disprove what they’d said

If only we’d realize
The things our words do
The hurt that they cause
When we don’t think them through
Simply to love
Is God’s greatest command
How can we do that when
We make two sides on which to stand?

I listened in silence for a second time
To words about someone I knew
Someone told someone who told someone else
And they all were convinced it was true
My loyalties divided; who do I trust?
Whose side do I stand on this day?
I see walls erected, the battle begins
Will they gossip now over what I say?

If only we’d realize
The things our words do
The hurt that they cause
When we don’t think them through
Simply to love
Is God’s greatest command
How can we do that when
We make two sides on which to stand?

If I choose to believe the things that they say
On the say-so of other people’s word
I’m no better than those that started the gossip
Just trusting what everyone heard
I choose to find the good and not follow the crowd
Let God say if I’m right or wrong
Because I know if the rumors can stop with me
Then I’ll be in the right all along.

If only we’d realize
The things our words do
The hurt that they cause
When we don’t think them through
Simply to love
Is God’s greatest command
How can we do that when
We make two sides on which to stand?