Two Desert Christmases
We are old now, and we’re not at home for Christmas
– Just like you
We know how you feel, yearning for your family, your tree, your
celebrations
Sometimes, we’re afraid…
– Just like you
But we have a new home now, and all together, we make a new
place for our Christmas joy
– Just like you
We have memories, too
Of children’s laughter, of sweet carols sung, of bells rung,
Of fires crackling, sending sweet dark smoke up the
chimney…before Santa comes!
We imagine we smell the fragrant pine trees, spicy gingerbread
and Christmas cookies.
We close our eyes and see the churches from our childhoods,
The mangers, the sparkling trees and the stockings we hung for
our children.
We can remember our favorite toys from long ago,
Asking Santa for a train set, checkers, a doll, a bike…
whatever my brother was going to get…
We remember our favorites
– Just like you
We still love the colors of Christmas
Red and white, like a candy cane; deep green for the trees; gold
for the angel halos;
And white for the glistening snow…we remember
There’s no snow here – our Christmas is in the desert now
– Just like you
And yet – it’s a joyful time, because in our new home here
And in yours across the ocean
Both places are filled with friendship and love.
That’s what we send you as our gift.
And we’re so thankful for your gift to us
Safety for our families, liberty, equality and freedom!
We have one Christmas wish – that you come home soon and safe.
This Christmas, from our desert home to yours,
We send you love.
