Let's Try to Simplify

This is the ceramic manger scene that I made in 1966.

 

 

LITTLENESS

Matthew 19:14

 

In a little manger, in a little town,

was born a little boy,

to a little family of little means.

He brought the world great joy!

 

If the Lord of All could come so small,

with the biggest, highest aim,

then why oh why must we buy and buy

for the day that bears His Name?

 

We shop, we trim, we bake, we cook,

we visit, we send, we party,

we run up the tally on credit cards,

the bills we pay are tardy.

 

While the hustle and bustle can be great fun,

sometimes it steals our peace,

sometimes the true Christmas spirit gets lost

when our busyness won’t cease.

 

From the little manger, the little town,

the crib of the little boy,

comes a little Christmas thought to muse,

which may heighten Christmas joy…

 

Let us celebrate with littleness,

become as the little Child,

with simplicity, wonder, innocence,

pure Love that’s undefiled…

 

and the Savior, Our Lord, who was that Child,

shall smile at us, well pleased,

“For the kingdom,” He said, “of Heaven belongs

to people such as these!”

 

Maude Carolan

 

 
"Littleness" was inspired by a message delivered by Pastor/Rabbi Jonathan Cahn of Beth Israel Worship Center, now located in Wayne, NJ.


 

The poem is included in my chapbook, "From My Heart to Yours at Christmas: Cookies & Poems". Scroll to the end of this blog for ordering information.