December 25, 2005

Christmas Spirit

In the snow and the glow of those little white lights
with the scent of sharp pine in the air
time’s condensed, there’s a sense we’re all hurrying more
doing something Important, with care.

As I glance back I feel something almost surreal ~~
we’re a sketch Norman Rockwell would paint;
we’re a scene in a snow globe ‘neath lace curtain trees.

In this place Goodwill trumps our restraint.

I treasure that glimpse: we’re connected together
and our compass points stronger toward Good;
here our heart pockets open to give and receive
~~the language of Love understood.

________________________________________

"Christmas Spirit"

December 25, 2004

A
time
has come
for Joy: ringing
bringing down heaven
on earth, it’s time for
mirth and colored lights,
fragrant baking, yes festive
making, gifting, wrapping
tree adorning, frosty mornings
hustling, bustling, chestnuts
roasting, late at night scheming
sugarplum dreaming, mistletoe-
kissing -- and most of all -- wishing
the Merry Merriest Christmas to
you
and
Your’s!

____________________________

"A Time for Joy"

December 25, 2003

Believe

How long has it been since you closed your eyes tight

And believed in the Visitor who comes in the night?

Can you turn back the years to those days of sheer joy,

Feel the bubble of wonder as a wee girl or boy?

It was easier then, with the covers chin-high

To believe in a world in which reindeer could fly.

And that kindly old Someone of legend and fame,

He knew where you lived, he knew you by name.

There is little more foolish than thinking its so

That all there’s to life is what grownups know.

Since reindeer still fly through the sky now as then

……isn’t it time you believed once again?

_________________________________

"Believe"

December 25, 2002

Christmas Window

Do you see what I see? ---Three fuzzy bears looking back at me!

A bike, a star, a very shy kitten,

A Raggedy Ann and a wee small mitten …

Can you find a silly clown, five green trees, a clock that’s brown?

A dreidel and sweets for good girls and boys,

Two rocking horses among the toys?

Can you see the bright red ball, a Nutcracker standing straight and tall?

An angel, a snowman, a lamp with a light?

Merry Visions to All, and to All a Good Night!

_______________________________

Christmas Window

December 25, 2001

Hearthfire

As Christmas nears
peace on earth is far, far away,

mirth and joy are in short supply,

and faith and trust are in need of repair …

At times like this we crave candle and flame.

            We’ve built a fire to share;
                        old fallen logs new Hope ignite …
                                    we’re saving you a chair.

_____________________________________
"Hearthfire"
Photo © 2001 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 2001 Penny Pefley

December 25, 2000

Winter Fire

In a land called Winter,

In a clearing called December,

There’s a circle called

Christmas

And in the center is

Love.

________________

"Winter Fire"
Photo © 2000 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 2000 Penny Pefley

December 25, 1999

Snow Angel

They tell stories about angels this
time of year,
how they spoke to folks, and sang,
and coaxed …

You may believe, or say it’s not so.

You may make yours out of snow.

You may think you hear or see one.

Or you may, in fact, just be one.

____________________
"Snow Angel"
Photo © 1999 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1999 Penny Pefley

December 25, 1998

Snowman

The beauty of it all is
we can create newness
out of ordinary stuff
every day.

Sharing the spirit of Christmas
is as simple as this:

Be who you are
where you are;

Lighten the hearts
of those who pass by;

And leave an echo behind.

________________

December 25, 1997

Gingerbread Tree

And what is it you see by the Christmas light?

…homemade cookies

…one long-ago night

…a toy, a memory, a look of delight?

Aromas and music whose richness you love

Or hopes for world peace, settling gentle as doves …

Whatever the echo or dream you hold fast

May it feed and sustain you, long may it last

as a jewel still shining when Christmas is past.

________________________

Photo © 1997 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1997 Penny Pefley

December 25, 1996

Winter Tree

What messages whisper to us
in winter’s darkness?

From the still, frozen forest

On every frost-covered bough …

Etchings of Peace.

May gentle peace fall on your Christmas

soft as last night’s snow.
__________________
Photo ©1996 Chuck Pefley | Verse © 1996 Penny Pefley

December 25, 1995

Winter Refuge

It’s the season for seeking out Warmth and Light,

For coming together, and children’s delight;

For calming our hearts to hear what is true,

For observing traditions, and making Love new.

The year’s been a long one, the hills have been steep,

With peace hard to come by, and faith hard to keep;

We may never have needed the hearthfire more,

Come in from the cold, open the door.

December 25, 1994

Christmas Lights - Leavenworth, Washington

Too much for one day or a week, it’s a season

Of contrasts which sparkle, if not yield to reason.

Bright lights and white snow against deep winter dark,

Some elves who are busy, and angels who hark.

There are stories of Shepherds and Santas and Kings,

Ancient truths and traditions, and the newest of Things.

There are singers and parties and rides in the sleigh,

Those who must shop, and those who must pray.

The memories of Old Ones, the glee of the young,

Excitement for many, “Bah-Humbug!” from some.

Match Girl and Magi and all in between,

An experience to savor for what you can glean.

Called Christmas, December, the Season of Light …

Merry Richness to all, and to all a Good Night.
__________________________

December 25, 1993

New Snow - Discovery Park, Seattle, WA

There come, in a season such as this,

uncommon moments ---

when suddenly life stands still

and wonder comes over us like new snow.

Precious moments of beauty … of eyes

meeting eyes in warmth … of unexpected generosity …

private moments of reflection on ancient mysteries.

Gifted Moments
that feed your soul and replenish your spirit.

May this Christmas be rich with such moments

December 25, 1992

Mount Rainier and Longmire Lodge at dusk

In the true spirit of Christmas …

Marvel at the beauty around you,

Celebrate promises kept and hope rewarded,

Rejoice in the light that brightens darkness,

Do those things that feed your soul,

And be warmed by Love.

Many Years of Christmas