What is it about this time
That makes it feel like this?
A feeling such as when the time is passed
It is sorely missed?
It is unmistakably different
Unlike any other time,
And it matters not, be it child or adult,
It saturates the mind.
A greater hustle and bustle
Going from here to there
And for miles and smiles around
Good cheer is everywhere.
In supermarkets and stores,
In restaurants and shops,
Music in keeping with the season
Is playing non-stop.
The old tunes and modern
And all those in between,
A selection both young old can enjoy
Are heard at every scene.
The honking of car horns
Along the busy streets
Could be in greetings or annoyance
If they could ever speak.
What is so special, I ask,
About this time of year
When more than at any other time,
People spread good cheer?
I certainly have no doubt
The answers would vary
But the truth be told if we are frank,
One points us heavenly.
To a time, the Bible says,
To a precious baby boy
When the heavenly hosts did sing
Of rapturous joy.
Tidings of great joy
Reaching out to all people:
To the Gentile nations afterwards
But firstly, to Israel.
In that nativity scene
There were only shepherds
Never mind artists got it very wrong
And painted an error.
The magi featured later
About two years hence
Thus, regarding Gentile pagan lands.
Coming from thence.
We were no afterthought
As some seem to think
But these pagan travellers so early
Surely give us a hint.
The very word Christmas
Some try to castigate
But to the Christ in that very word,
Millions can relate.
For this wonderful feeling
Jesus is the reason,
And that is why around this time
It’s the Christmas season.
What is it about this time
That makes it feel like this?
A feeling such as when the time is passed
It is sorely missed?
It is the thought of Jesus
Though no longer a babe
And it can last throughout every year
As long as one is saved.
Saved through Jesus Christ
Who is the only way,
Saved and freed from enslaving sin,
Saved this very day.
Stewart Russell © December 11, 2025
