Nobody ever left mamas table hungry
This evening she had fried venison, prepared purple hull peas, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cat head size biscuits,
Visitors were at our table almost nightly, this was no exception
Dad turned thanks and we dug in
We ate and laughed then finished the biscuits off with cane syrup and sour cream
Later a couple a neighborhood boys came by
They told John and I that Santa had been seen heading our way, pointing to the northern sky,
We stood in the freezing cold till our small hands grew numb
Our eyes became blurred from searching and squinting at the starlit sky,
After what seemed forever we went inside and warmed by the pot bellied heater
Dad told some hunting stories as we sat on the floor
We strung popcorn together to go on the Charlie Brown Christmas tree Dad had cut
We kept watching the door thinking Santa might burst through any moment
As the evening drew long
We drank some cocoa and our company left
Dad read the story of Jesus birth
We sang “Silent Night”
Mama sat out a saucer of cookies and some milk for Santa,
Then it was time for bed,
I was too excited to sleep,
I lay there under piles and piles of quilts thinking what the morning would bring,
Somewhere in the night I dozed
It was still early when my eyes popped open
The house was dark and still
I slipped my feet from the covers
I winced as they touched the ice cold floor
And shivered as I went to the other room
I approached the milk and cookies to see if Santa had come by
One was gone the other a bite taken, the milk only half gone
My heart was pounding as I looked under the tree
I wondered what Santa had left for me,
A pair of cap pistols, a package of green army men, a fruit and nuts in my stocking
Puzzled I thought, Santa must not have gotten my letter.
Through the years we’ve had to hand make our gifts,
There were times of leanness and others of plenty,
But nothing is better on Christmas:
Than a home cooked meal around mamas table set with love
Than a moment of Daddy’s earnest thanks
Than a visitor enjoying our bounty as though they were part of us
Than popcorn, cocoa, the cookies and milk of hope
Than excited anticipating hearts
Than children still filled with the wonder and hope of life
Than a family full of siblings, laughter and stories by the fire
Santa hasn’t always gotten me what I’ve wanted
However, the Lord has always met my needs
He showed up when I couldn’t save myself and gave His life for me
He’s forgiven my transgressions
He delivered me from my iniquities
He’s given me a wonderful wife, children, and grandchildren,
He answers my prayers!
Thank you Lord for our family and our friends
For your goodness to us through the year
Thank you for those watching from heaven
And for the additions and babies you’ve given us,
Keep us all in the year to come
Bless you for the gift of your son
Amen
Merry Christmas to all!!!