Entry #16: Christmas Eve Poem With A Wish For The New Year

GORDON McVEY

(In honor of the church’s

world-wide missionary force)

A Poem for a Christmas Eve

Gordon McVey, alone with himself,
lost in thought on the side of his bed,

Fingered the letters and pictures from home
and was glad for the news he had read.

A porcelain tree and a creche he had made
were set out on his bureau of drawers,

And wreaths made of straw with a ribbon and bow
had been hung from the thatched mission doors.

Presents from Mother, from Dad and from Sis,
plus gifts from each one on the team

Were waiting for morning when all would be warmed
by their promised real coffee and cream.

A service that night had been held in the church,
and soon all the workers would meet

For popcorn and carols, remembrance and games,
for prayers and for fellowship sweet.

His Bible in hand, Gordon left for the hall
but paused ‘neath the stars–and a tear

Just moistened his eye as he heaved a deep sigh,
“O Lord, send revival this year.”