Before you shop this Christmas Holiday Remember The Stranger

The Stranger

by Randy Ark, Staff Writer

It wasn’t very long ago, that a stranger passed this way
He said he used to live ‘round here’, when he had a place to stay
I asked him what his business was, his eyes they looked so clear
He said, "I’m here for a special birthday, to celebrate this year."

We went to many stores and shops and walked all over town
The ‘Stranger’ never tired a bit, but I was wearing down
We looked at trees and lights and things, and wrappings with their bows
All kinds of presents everywhere and even mistletoe      I wondered, after all this time, the reason for our quest
Had not the ‘Stranger’ seen enough, this was Christmas at it’s best
The malls were brimming full of people, garland hanging everywhere
And people shouting “Merry Christmas”, songs of yuletide filled the air

The ‘Stranger’ paused and then he asked, “Where is it that the Christ child lay?
He used to be here in this town, but I haven’t seen Him yet today.
I haven’t seen the guiding star or shepherds with their sheep
And where’s the scene at Bethlehem with Jesus fast asleep.
Where’s the promise of our Father, and the hope of all mankind
I see no Christmas message here, only price-cuts on the signs.”

The Stranger paused and looked so sad, I wondered where he’d been
“You won’t find Jesus here," I said, “there’s no room in stores for Him."
“Jesus isn’t good for business, it’s just as well He leave,
Just what did you expect to find, in stores on Christmas eve?”

The ‘Stranger’ stood and said to me, “I’ll tell you of this season.
You enjoy all the thrills of Christmas, but you forgot about the reason.”
I watched Him walk away from me, and then I yelled from far behind
"Hey, who’s birthday are you celebrating?"

And the ‘Stranger’ answered,…………. “Mine.”………….