Christmas Spirit ...

It seems when the holidays come along, I find all kinds of reasons to clean and reminisce.  As I was going through my photo albums, I found a book stored along with the albums that I really love.  It's title is "Leaves of Gold".  I purchased it years ago while thrifting and since I love books, especially ones with poems or quotes, I pulled it out of its hiding place and started reading.  I found a sweet verse called "Christmas Spirit" by E.C. Baird.  Now, I do not know E.C. Baird but I love what he wrote and wanted to share it with you today.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - I am the Christmas spirit!
I enter the home of poverty, causing pale faced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser's clutched hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven in magic.
I cause eager fee to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears - tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak, just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit!!

Isn't that beautiful?  Christmas - probably the only word in the English language that can immediately bring a smile to the face no matter the age.  The excitement that stirs in every soul - not for anticipated gifts but for the presence of loved ones, the memories of those who have passed, and for the love that both have brought to our lives. 

I wish each of you peace in your heart this Christmas season.  And much love and happiness in the coming new year.