TWELVE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

On the lst Day of Christmas, Jesus gave to me
Not a partridge---but Salvation full and free.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas Jesus gave to me
---The Dove of the Holy Spirit cheerfully.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas Jesus gave to me
---Trinity Peace in my heart to last eternally

On the 4th Day of Christmas--not 4 birds calling
---But love for the lost from Heaven falling.

O)n the 5th Day of Christmas, He gave golden rings
---True Joy encircling my soul the Savior brings.

On the 6th Day of Christmas--not 6 geese a-laying
But power from above to keep me from a-straying.

On the 7th Day of Christmas--no 7 swimming swans
---but living Spring Water--for everyone.

On the 8th Day of Christmas no milking maids appeared
But God's milk of kindness washed away all my tears.

On the 9th Day of Christmas the Savior gave to me
---Nine great gifts of the Holy Spirit, rich and free.

On the 10th Day of Christmas the story never grows old
---God promised me Heaven's streets of purest gold.

On the llthe Day of Christ yes there were pipers prancing
Singing praise To God and 'round His throne room dancing.

On the 12th Day of Christmas Heaven's Drummers did drum
---In tribute rhythm to our Christmas King
---Hallelujah---Salvation is now won!
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

A TEXAS NATIVITY

It's a Lone Star night in Texas
All is calm and clear and bright;
The Angels have ceased singing--
Their Sweet song of Silent Night.

Things are different here in Texas
Had the Christ child been born here;
All Six Flags would be a-flyin'
----Announcing His Christmas cheer.

Of course Texas barns are a-plenty
There are many for Mary to use;
Filled with steers and armadillos
Underneath skies of azure blue.

And the Magi would find it easy
To get to this Texas manger fast;
We have so many wise-guys in Texas
Their wisdom would forever last.

We could line the crib with yellow roses
Framing it with Ten Gallon Hats too-----
Our magnificent Mockingbirds in Pecan trees
Can croon "White Christmas" til the're blue.

In Texas we grow bluebonnets--not pointsettias
There's just one problem that I can see----
Since the Bluebonnets just bloom in April--
We'd have to postpone Christmas to Spring.

So you see A true Texas Nativity----
Could financially help our economy too;
'Cuz we'd keep our oil wells a-pumping
All the Christmas season through.

So come enjoy some holy jalapenos
Decorate a Christmas cactus or two;
Come celebrate a Lone Star Christmas
----Texas is still waiting here for you!

2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets