Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

The noisy drums of hatred and war
Drown out the cries of the hungry and poor,
As well as the tramp of millions of feet
In flight from starvation and defeat,
And quiet whimpers of children near death,
Who today may draw their last fleeting breath.

But louder still is the raucous cry
Of advertisers to "Come and Buy,"
As stores and television screens
Portray the most attractive scenes
Of glamourous glitter you could see!
Is this how our Christmas ought to be?

Our Father, speak to each deafened ear,
That all may hear what You'd have them hear –
The joyous message of Christ Who came,
Salvation to bring through His dear Name,
Then this Good News gladly all shall share
And those in need will know that we are.

Honoria A. Groves

Christmas, 1987