Last night I watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with my family. It reminded me of one of the Christmas poems I have written. What happens to Christmas when all of the trimmings are taken away?

WOULD THERE BE A CHRISTMAS?

by Dawn Baumeister

Take away the tinsel, the presents, and the tree,

The shopping and the cookies, the child on Santa's knee.

Would there be a Christmas for you and for me?

Take away the carols, the small nativity,

The reading of the story, the church activity.

Would there be a Christmas for you and for me?   

Take away the people, the friends and family,

Past celebrations, the cherished memory.

Would there be a Christmas for you and for me?

Take away the Christ child who came to set us free,

Leave Him out of Xmas and out of history.

Would there be a Christmas for you and for me?

A soldier in a foxhole, a martyr in a cell

Celebrate the Babe who alone can save from hell.

That's the heart of Christmas; all else is just the shell.

Enjoy the gifts and tinsel, the carols and the tree;

Enjoy the Christmas story, the friends and family;

But don't forget the Savior, who died for you and me.