35 Best Christmas Poems About Jesus
If you are looking for poems that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas than look no further. From themes of the wise men to the angels to the Christ child–you will find a variety of choices to read, memorize, and meditate on this Christmas season.
You may recognize many of these religious poems as Christmas carols that were set to music and have been sung at Christmas time for many years in the church. There are also modern poems and classic older ones that all compel Christians to refocus on the gift of Jesus.
How to use this collection of Christian Christmas poems
Here are some ideas to use poetry to help direct your heart to the greatest gift, the Son of God, this holiday season.
- Read them aloud together as a family before bed. Follow your poem by singing a Christmas carol (or singing the poem if it is already set to music)
- Read the poem aloud and then use it as a journaling prompt. How does the poem make you feel about your life right now? Does it feel true to your experience?
- Read the poem aloud and use it as a writing prompt for your homeschool or Christian school students. What parts of the Christmas story are in the poem? What Christmas traditions? What type of poem is this? (Free verse, meter, sonnet–for older children. Rhyming/non-rhyming for younger) Challenge your students to write their own Christmas poem about your family’s Christmas traditions or about the Christmas story.
- Read the poem aloud to your kids. Ask them to make a drawing, painting or other art piece that reminds them of the poem–how it makes them feel or the words of the poem itself.
- Read the poem or recite it for memory at your Christmas church service.
- Write a Christmas poem or portion of a poem on your Christmas cards this year.
- Use all or a part of the poem to create a piece of wall art for your home.
35 Best Christmas Poems about Jesus
Christian Christmas Poems that Became Songs
1. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This beautiful poem emphasizes the joy of Christmas morning and the good news the gospel brings to even our darkest circumstances. Listen to the carol here.
I heard the bells on Christmas DayTheir old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
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2. A Christmas Carol by Christina Rossetti
This beautiful poem was set to music to create the song In the Bleak Midwinter. It reminds us of the first Christmas and God’s love for us even in bleak seasons. Enjoy the hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol here.
In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago
Angels and Arc Angels
May have traveled there
Cherubim and Seraphim
Thronged the air
But only his Mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshiped the beloved
With a kiss
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart
Give him my heart
3. For Christmas Day: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Charles Wesley
Charles was a prolific poet, musician and pastor who lived in England and was responsible with his brother, John Wesley for the methodist revivals of the 18th century. It’s a classic hymn sung in churches all over the world on Christmas morning. Listen to it here.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinner reconcil’d.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Christ by highest Heaven ador’d,
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail, the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus our Immanuel!
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
4. O Holy Night by Placide Cappeau
This song was written by a French poet (who later left the Christian faith) and was set to music written by Jewish composer. It was translated into English around the Civil War era by an abolitionist who was drawn to the words in the third verse. It is one of the most beloved and timeless Christmas songs and poems. Listen to it here.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming;
With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand:
So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,Here come the wise men from Orient land,The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,In all our trials born to be our friend;
He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King! before him bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!
Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
5. O Sing To God (Noël: Montez à Dieu) by Benjamin Webb
This beautiful song and poem was written by an English poet and vicar, Benjamin Webb. It was paired with music by French composer and was featured in the movie The Bishop’s Wife. You can see the clip and hear the song here!
O sing to God your hymns of gladness,
Ye loving hearts your tribute pay;
Your Lord is born this happy day.
Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness,
Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness;
O sing to God your hymns of gladness.
Mark how the Mother lulls to slumber
Her new born Babe with tenderest love,
And guards her treasure from above!
O blessed Child with her who bore Thee,
We, too, will kneel in faith before Thee.
O God Incarnate, we adore Thee!
O Word of God for us incarnate,
By faith we hear Thine angels sing,
Their hymns of praise to Thee their King.
We join with them in adoration,
We pour to Thee our supplication,
That Thou wouldst grant us, Lord, salvation.
6. A Christmas Carol by Robert Herrick
This is a selection from an old poem (dating from 1647) that was sung with multiple verses and singers. You can listen to a modern arrangement by John Rutter here.
What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our Heavenly King?
Awake the voice, awake the string
Dark and dull night, fly hence away
And give the honor to this day
That sees December turned to May
That sees December turned to May
Why does the chilling winter’s mourn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn
Thus, on the sudden? Come and see
The ’cause, why things thus fragrant be
It is He is born, whose quickening birth
Gives life and luster, public mirth
To Heaven, and the under-Earth
We see him come, and know him ours
Who with his sunshine and his showers
Turns all the patient ground to flowers
Turns all the patient ground to flowers
The darling of the world is come
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him, to welcome him
The nobler part of all the house here is the heart
Which we will give him, and bequeath
This holy and this ivy wreath
To do him honour, who’s our King
And Lord of all this revelling
What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our Heavenly King?
Of this our Heavenly King, our King
7. O Come All You Unfaithful by Bob Kauflin and Lisa Clow of Sovereign Grace Music
This is one of my favorite new Christmas songs and it has such a beautiful message–that we don’t need to have it all together to approach Jesus, but can come messy, tired, and broken because Christmas is ultimately about grace. Read more about the writing behind the song and listen to it with a powerful music video here!
O come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable
Come, know you are not alone
O come, barren and waiting ones
Weary of praying, come
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
O come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
He’s the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
He’s the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
So come, though you have nothing
Come, He is the offering
Come, see what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
25 JOFYUL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS TO START WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR
Classic Poems from 1600s-1800s
8. Christmas Carol – Paul Laurence Dunbar
This Christmas poem is a triumphant and joyful reminder of Jesus’ birth and the celebration it brings.
Ring out, ye bells!
All Nature swells
With gladness at the wondrous story,—
The world was lorn,
But Christ is born
To change our sadness into glory.
Sing, earthlings, sing!
To–night a King
Hath come from heaven’s high throne to bless us.
The outstretched hand
O’er all the land
Is raised in pity to caress us.
Come at his call;
Be joyful all;
Away with mourning and with sadness!
The heavenly choir
With holy fire
Their voices raise in songs of gladness.
The darkness breaks
And Dawn awakes,
Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes.
The rocks and stones
In holy tones
Are singing sweeter than the thrushes.
Then why should we
In silence be,
When Nature lends her voice to praises;
When heaven and earth
Proclaim the truth
Of Him for whom that lone star blazes?
No, be not still,
But with a will
Strike all your harps and set them ringing;
On hill and heath
Let every breath
Throw all its power into singing!
9. Christmas at Melrose by Leslie Pinckney Hill
This sweet poem emphasizes the joy of family celebrating Christmas Eve together. It’s modern language and rhyme structure may be more easily remembered and enjoyed by younger children.
Come home with me a little space
And browse about our ancient place,
Lay by your wonted troubles hereAnd have a turn of Christmas cheer.These sober walls of weathered stone
Can tell a romance of their own,
And these wide rooms of devious line
Are kindly meant in their design.
Sometimes the north wind searches through,
But be shall not be rude to you.
We’ll light a log of generous girth
For winter comfort, and the mirth
Of healthy children you shall seeAbout a sparkling Christmas tree.Eleanor, leader of the fold,
Hermione with heart of gold,
Elaine with comprehending eyes,
And two more yet of coddling size,
Natalie pondering all that’s said,
And Mary with the cherub head—
All these shall give you sweet content
And care-destroying merriment,
While one with true madonna grace
Moves round the glowing fire-place
Where father loves to muse aside
And grandma sits in silent pride.
And you may chafe the wasting oak,
Or freely pass the kindly joke
To mix with nuts and home-made cake
And apples set on coals to bake.
Or some fine carol we will sing
In honor of the Manger King
Or hear great Milton’s organ verse
Or Plato’s dialogue rehearse
What Socrates with his last breath
Sublimely said of life and death.
These dear delights we fain would share
With friend and kinsman everywhere,
And from our door see them depart
Each with a little lighter heart.
10. On The Morning of Christ’s Nativity by John Milton
This incredible poem is one of the oldest in this list and I’m only sharing a selection from it as it is much longer. Milton’s flowery and visual language helps convey the power of the nativity.
This is the month, and this the happy morn,
Wherein the Son of Heaven’s Eternal King,
Of wedded Maid and Virgin Mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring;
For so the holy sages once did sing,
That he our deadly forfeit should release,
And with his Father work us a perpetual peace.
That glorious form, that light unsufferable,
And that far-beaming blaze of majesty,
Wherewith he wont at Heaven’s high council-table
To sit the midst of Trinal Unity,
He laid aside; and, here with us to be,
Forsook the courts of everlasting day,
And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay.
Say, heavenly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein
Afford a present to the Infant God?
Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain,
To welcome him to this his new abode,
Now while the heaven, by the sun’s team untrod,
Hath took no print of the approaching light,
And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright?
See, how from far, upon the eastern road,
The star-led wisards haste with odours sweet:
O run, prevent them with thy humble ode,
And lay it lowly at his blessed feet;
Have thou the honour first thy Lord to greet,
And join thy voice unto the Angel quire,
From out his secret altar touch’d with hallow’d fire.
11. Christmas Hymn by Eugene Field
This simple and short Christian Christmas poem will help keep the purpose of Christmas at the forefront for your family and kids.
Sing, Christmas bells!
Say to the earth this is the morn
Whereon our Savior-King is born;
Sing to all men,–the bond, the free,
The rich, the poor, the high, the low,
The little child that sports in glee,
The aged folk that tottering go,–
Proclaim the morn
That Christ is born,
That saveth them and saveth me!
Sing, angel host!
Sing of the star that God has placed
Above the manger in the East;
Sing of the glories of the night,
The virgin’s sweet humility,
The Babe with kingly robes bedight,–
Sing to all men where’er they be
This Christmas morn;
For Christ is born,
That saveth them and saveth me!
12. When Christmas Comes by Libbie C. Baer
This is a fun poem for kids to recite and memorize together in a Sunday school class or as a family. Assign everyone a “role” and then read it together. I like that this poem highlights unselfish behavior at Christmas and giving gifts to others!
(Harry.)
When Christmas comes my brother Fred
And I are each to have a sled,
So papa says. To all good boys
Old Santa brings both books and toys,
When Christmas comes.
(Paul.)
I know my mother is too poor,
To buy us toys, but I am sure
She’ll have for us some nice warm caps,
Some mittens, and some shoes, perhaps,
When Christmas comes.
(James.)
I wrote old Santa Claus to bring
To me a drum, and everything;
A train of cars to run by steam,
And all of which I think, and dream,
When Christmas comes.
(Willie.)
You greedy boy! You want it all;
I only want a top and ball;
I want what Santa Claus can spare
When other boys have had their share,
When Christmas comes.
(James.)
I only wrote old Santa Claus
To bring me all those things, because
I want to give away some toys,
To Paul, and other widows’ boys,
When Christmas comes.
(John.)
That’s right, my chum,
With fife and drum,
And singing tops we’ll make things hum;
Divide our toys with other boys,
And won’t we make a sight of noise,
When Christmas comes.
(All.)
When Christmas comes to you and me,
Bid every selfish thought to flee;
Unselfish hearts and deeds, and then,
“Peace on earth, good will to men,”
When Christmas comes.
13. The Christmas Wreath by Anna de Bremont
This poem remembers those who have passed on to eternal life in heaven. It’s a sweet one to read and reflect on–especially if you or your child is or knows someone experiencing grief at Christmas.
Oh! Christmas wreath upon the wall,
Within thine ivied space
I see the years beyond recall,
Amid thy leaves I trace
The shadows of a happy past,
When all the world was bright,
And love its magic splendour cast
O’er morn and noon and night.
Oh! Christmas wreath upon the wall,
’Neath memory’s tender spell
A wondrous charm doth o’er thee fall,
And round thy beauty dwell.
Thine ivy hath the satiny sheen
Of tresses I’ve caressed,
Thy holly’s crimson gleam I’ve seen
On lips I oft have pressed.
Oh! Christmas wreath upon the wall,
A mist steals o’er my sight.
Dear hallow’d wreath, these tears are all
The pledge I now can plight
To those loved ones whose spirit eyes
Shine down the flight of time;
Around God’s throne their voices rise
To swell the Christmas Chime!
14. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by George Robert Sims
This poem uses beautiful imagery to set the scene of a church at Christmas and reflection of the power of peace on earth. I love the idea of examining and reading this poem after reading the original by Charles Wesley.
The church is quaint, and carved, and olden;
The sunlight streams in wavelets golden,
This Christmas morn,
Through stained glass scenes from Bible stories,
On ancient knights whose sculptured glories
The aisle adorn.
The rays are shed in chastened splendour
On many a dead and gone defender
Of Church and Crown;
On Lancelot, the brave Crusader,
And Guy, who slew the French invader,
And saved a town.
The manor lords in line unbroken
Rest here begirt with sign and token
Of ages past;
And dames and maidens, proud and stately,
Lie here with folded hands sedately,
And eyes shut fast.
Among their tombs the sunlight lingers
Then halts between the anthem singers,
And warriors grim.
For there, ’midst many a warlike relic,
Fair children sing the song angelic,
Christ’s birthday hymn.
In rev’rie wrapt, I pause and listen,
I watch the darting sunbeams glisten
On floor and wall;
Then pass from dead to living graces,
And on the children’s happy faces
In splendour fall.
This song of peace—these gentle voices,
These glad young hearts that life rejoices,
My fancy thought,
Are dearer homage to the Master
Then all the Church’s foes’ disaster
These dead knights wrought.
Gone are the days of gloom and error,
Love’s sceptre breaks the rod of terror
In our fair isle.
And as the children sing His message
Of Peace on Earth the joyful presage,
They win God’s smile.
15. Christmas Eve by Christina Rossetti
This poem focuses on the infant king and the glad tidings He brings to all by humbling Himself and coming to earth.
Christmas hath a darkness
Brighter than the blazing noon,
Christmas hath a chillness
Warmer than the heat of June,
Christmas hath a beauty
Lovelier than the world can show:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.
Earth, strike up your music,
Birds that sing and bells that ring;
Heaven hath answering music
For all Angels soon to sing:
Earth, put on your whitest
Bridal robe of spotless snow:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.
16. The Waits by Margaret Deland
This is a short and easy poem to enjoy with the whole family.
At the break of Christmas Day,
Through the frosty starlight ringing,
Faint and sweet and far away,
Comes the sound of children, singing,
Chanting, singing,
“Cease to mourn,
For Christ is born,
Peace and joy to all men bringing!”
Careless that the chill winds blow,
Growing stronger, sweeter, clearer,
Noiseless footfalls in the snow
Bring the happy voices nearer;
Hear them singing,
“Winter’s drear,
But Christ is here,
Mirth and gladness with Him bringing!”
17. A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson
A prayer poem like this makes a wonderful read aloud and blessing to pray over your children at Christmas or to be read over the children of your church.
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
18. The Savior must have been a docile Gentleman by Emily Dickinson
This sweet and pithy poem reminds us how far Jesus would come to save us.
The Savior must have been
A docile Gentleman–
To come so far so cold a Day
For little Fellowmen–
The Road to Bethlehem
Since He and I were Boys
Was leveled, but for that ‘twould be
A rugged Billion Miles–
19. Ring Out, Wild Bells by Lord Alfred Tennyson
This poem exert could initiate a great discussion on how Christmas compels us to change our actions and behaviors. Little children may also enjoy pairing a reading with a bell craft or simply by shaking little bells at the end of each stanza.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die…
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
20. Christ’s Nativity by Henry Vaughn
A stirring reminder to prepare our hearts for Christmas comparing our hearts to the manger and stable where Christ was born.
Awake, glad heart! get up and sing!
It is the birth-day of thy King.
Awake! awake!
The Sun doth shake
Light from his locks, and all the way
Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.
Awake, awake! hark how th’ wood rings;
Winds whisper, and the busy springs
A concert make;
Awake! awake!
Man is their high-priest, and should rise
To offer up the sacrifice.
I would I were some bird, or star,
Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far
Above this inn
And road of sin!
Then either star or bird should be
Shining or singing still to thee.
I would I had in my best part
Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart
Were so clean as
Thy manger was!
But I am all filth, and obscene;
Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.
Sweet Jesu! will then. Let no moreThis leper haunt and soil thy door!
Cure him, ease him,
O release him!
And let once more, by mystic birth,
The Lord of life be born in earth.
Modern Poetry – from the 1900s-present day
21. [little tree] by e. e. cummings
This poem reflects on the tradition of bringing in and decorating a Christmas tree and has a beautiful lyrical quality to it.
little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower
who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly
i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid
look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arms
and i’ll give them all to you to hold.
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy
then when you’re quite dressed
you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they’ll stare!
oh but you’ll be very proud
and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we’ll dance and sing
“Noel Noel”
22. The Christmas Story by Leanne Guenther
This is a great poem for toddlers and preschoolers to listen to and tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ very simply and in modern language. A great one to recite together as a family.
Once upon a time,A long, long time ago.Begins the story of a baby,
That most of you should know.
His daddy’s name was Joseph,
And Mary was His mom,
This babe was very special
He was God’s only Son.
Some angels came from heaven,
And they began to sing.
To the shepherds in the fields below,”Glad tidings do we bring!”
A bright star lit the heavens,
To light the magi’s way,
To the baby in the mangerWho was born on Christmas day.
And all who gathered round Him,
Rejoiced and praised His birth.
For the babe, the King, named Jesus,
Is our Saviour here on earth!
23. Christmas Acrostic by Johnnie DesRochers
This is a simple acrostic poem that would be fun to create a Christmas craft or art activity around.
C is for the child born that night to be our light.
H is for holy is His name
R is for rejoice with gladness and joy.
I is for Immanuel, God with us.S is for the star that led the Wise men to Him.T is for the truth and grace that was sent our way.
M is for Mother Mary laying him in swaddling clothes in the manger.
A is for angels singing songs of joy.
S is for salvation.
24. The Christ-Child Lay on Mary’s Lap by G.K. Chesterton
The imagery of Jesus as a real, baby taking comfort like real babies do in his mother’s presence is a touching reminder of Christ’s humanity at Christmas.
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)
2. The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast,His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)
3. The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)
25. The True Meaning of Christmas by Brian K. Walters
This poem is a great reminder of the real meaning of Christmas and turns our eyes away from shopping, decorating, and Santa to focus our eyes on the newborn king, Jesus.
In today’s’ day and time,
It’s easy to lose sight,
Of the true meaning of Christmas
And one special night.
When we go shopping,
We say ‘How much will it cost? ‘Then the true meaning of Christmas,Somehow becomes lost.
Amidst the tinsel, glitterAnd ribbons of gold,We forget about the child,
Born on a night so cold.
The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay?
In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don’t see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.
A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.
26. Twas The Night Before Advent by Ann Voskamp
This poem is featured in Ann’s book Unwrapping The Greatest Gift and you can receive a whole Night Before Advent Printable Kit for your own family kickoff celebration for Advent completely free!
‘Twas the night before Advent
When all through God’s House
Not a heart wasn’t stirring, not a heart wasn’t roused.
His people wrapped around His Word with awe,
Awaiting wonders & the fresh grace of God.
The children were anxious for His Story to start,
these Visions of love dancing loud in their hearts.
And God in His glory, & us, in Jesus Christ,
settled only for a Christmas all about Christ.
When out on the streets, the frenzy came with a clatter,
In hearts, Joy sprang up, centred on Who matters.
Away from the stresses, we flew like a prayer,
Simply opened our hands & made room to prepare.
For the Light of the World to warm every dark space,
a lustre of hope cupped in every cold place
Till what to our wandering hearts should appear,
Murmurings of a King and Love drawing near.
In a Book of Old Pages, so Living & True,
you can hear Jesus whisper, I’m coming for You.
Through Every Story, The King fiercely came,
And He beckons you, woos you, and calls you by name!
“You’re Beloved! You’re Chosen! You’re God’s Special Child!
You’re Wanted! Draw Nearer! Experience the King’s Smile!”
From Creation’s first star to manger’s bright light,
Unwrap His Love Story till He holds you Christmas night
He spoke all Love’s Word, then became Word in the Skin
And filled every heart that would welcome Him in
And laying Himself down into manger’s straw,
He’s Your Immanuel, With Us is God.Advent unwraps wonder, the greatest gift ever dreamed,so come let’s adore Him, the One who redeemed
all the willing and wanting with this Advent Awe,
a sacred, slow Unwrapping of a season of God.
27. III by Morgan Harper Nichols
Morgan creates beautiful poetry that addresses modern themes of grace and redemption. You can read more about who she created this poem for here. Morgan also has a stirring Christmas song called Prodigal Christmas–you should give it a listen!
How miraculous it is
that through it all,
your heart
is slouched toward hope
to create something new
and tell a different story
amidst all that is unknown.
In the moment,
it might not feel like strength
but your ability to be present with joy
is no small thing at all.
Season after season,
you have learned to find hope
in the little things
even without the closure
your heart was longing for.
Amidst everything that the word “Christmas” brings up for you,
may you know this to be true:
through the wild of all that it took just to be here,
Light is still pouring through.
You have been brave,
you have been courageous,
and all along, you have been worthy of love,
even when you were made to feel
you were not enough.
Over these next few days
you are free to breathe deep,
knowing that if the smallest things
remind you of peace
that means something.
There is grace for every moment,
grace for every breath,
even in the parts the story
where you are not sure what to expect.
Take this day by day
reminded of all the subtle ways
Light has continued to find you
amidst all that has changed.
It is okay if “family”
looks different in this season
and you find joy
in new traditions
and peace in the smallest things.
28. The Christmas Rose by Cecil Day-Lewis
What is the flower that blooms each year
In flowerless days,
Making a little blaze
On the bleak earth, giving my heart some cheer?
Harsh the sky and hard the ground
When the Christmas rose is found.
Look! its white star, low on earth,
Rays a vision of rebirth.
Who is the child that’s born each year —
His bedding, straw:
His grace, enough to thaw
My wintering life, and melt a world’s despair?
Harsh the sky and hard the earth
When the Christmas child comes forth.
Look! around a stable throne
Beasts and wise men are at one.
What men are we that, year on year,
We Herod-wise
In our cold wits devise
A death of innocents, a rule of fear?
Hushed your earth, full-starred your sky
For a new nativity:
Be born in us, relieve our plight,
Christmas child, you rose of light!
29. Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot
This poem is written from the first-person perspective of one of the Magi or wise men who visited Jesus as a young child as told in Matthew 2. These notes include some helpful questions for students wishing to dissect the voice and meaning of the poem further.
“A cold coming we had of it,
Just the worst time of the year
For a journey, and such a long journey:
The ways deep and the weather sharp,
The very dead of winter.”
And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory,
Lying down in the melting snow.
There were times we regretted
The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces,
And the silken girls bringing sherbet.
Then the camel men cursing and grumbling
And running away, and wanting their liquor and women,
And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters,
And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly
And the villages dirty and charging high prices:
A hard time we had of it.
At the end we preferred to travel all night,
Sleeping in snatches,
With the voices singing in our ears, saying
That this was all folly.
Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley,
Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation;
With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness,
And three trees on the low sky,
And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow.
Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel,
Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver,
And feet kicking the empty wine-skins.
But there was no information, and so we continued
And arrived at evening, not a moment too soon
Finding the place; it was (you may say) satisfactory.
All this was a long time ago, I remember,
And I would do it again, but set down
This set down
This: were we led all that way for
Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly,
We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death,
But had thought they were different; this Birth was
Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.
We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,
But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,
With an alien people clutching their gods.
I should be glad of another death.
30. Joy Is An Act of Rebellion by David Gates
I love the reminder that Christmas at its core came to disrupt the status quo and the joy of heaven can never be taken away from God’s children. You can get a beautiful hand-typed version of this poem through the link above.
Joy is an act of rebellion
Against established order
Which is why the angels
Brought their glad tidings
To the nightshift serfs
Rather than the boardroom suits;
Because the joy of heaven–
Heralded to us–
Cannot be commoditized,
Privatized, or monetized.
While the system takes all it can
From our tired bodies
And stacks its weight
Upon our aching backs
It will never, not ever,
Ransack our hallelujahs.
December 25 by Annie Johnson Flint in Mountain Trailways for Youth
This poem is found in an old daily devotional that my Gramma kept in her bathroom and I always enjoyed reading. My mom gave it to me when she passed away because she knew I loved the writings and poems in it.
“Unto you is born this day a Savior”
which is Jesus Christ the wondrous Lord;
Not a “teacher,” not a “good example”
But the Son of God, the Living Word.
No “philosopher,” his fancies weaving,
Warp of dreams and woof of visions vast,
Not a “prophet,” peering down the future,
Not a “scholar,” delving in the past.
“Unto you is born this day a Savior”;
Shine, O star! and shout, O angel voice!
Unto you this precious gift is given;
Sing, O earth! and all you Heavens, rejoice!
Long the world has waited such a Savior,
Sunk in sin and torn by fear and doubt;
Long in darkness groped for truth and wisdom;
Glory, glory, now the light shines out!
“Unto you is born this day a Savior,”
Earth’s one hope, the Life, the Truth, the Way,
Mighty God and glorious Redeemer,
Jesus Christ the Lord is born today.
For these final poems I’ve included one of my own and a few from some fellow Christian writer friends. Enjoy.
31. Advent Wreath by Katie M. Scott
I wrote this poem out of my experience as a mom doing the Advent Wreath tradition with my children. More often than not it was chaos–fighting over blowing out the candles, kids half paying attention, attention spans ending long before the readings–but that is exactly the kind of family life our Savior entered into when He became a baby “just like us”.
Joy to the world sing
Mickey Mouse voices
Gazing at candles
We lit to giggles
And gasps and “don’t touch”.
Around the wreath we
Gather to see You
As never before–
“A tiny baby
Just like you were once;
Sleepy and swaddled
Tight by His mama.”
Wiggly bottoms and
Eager chubby hands
Grip well-worn pages,
Lisp holy words.
The sacred and silly
Sit side by side as
We learn about Jesus,
Mary, and Jospeh.
A family like ours–
With crying babies,
And tender dads who
Love exhausted moms,
Who whisper sleepy,
Sweet nothings into
Fuzzy, infant hair.
32. The Gift by Sharon Hughson
Sharon’s poem refocuses our eyes from all the doing and receiving of Christmas back to our Heavenly Father, the Giver of the greatest gift.
Bright wrapping paper
Glossy, shiny bows
Warm lights twinkle
Shining in rows
Piles of presents
Under evergreen tree
Beckon to children
“Which one’s for me?”
Across the room
Nativity on display
Joseph, Mary, stable
God’s son in manger lay
Every true gift
Motivated by love
Descends from our father
In Heaven above
Those in bright colors
Are temporal today
Enjoyed for a moment
Later put away
Eternal life
Purchased by God’s Son
A gift that keeps giving
Free to everyone
33. Greetings by Jasmine Ganter
Greetings to you, Gods favored one.
Greetings to you, Gods shining one.
Greetings, she shook. What greeting is this? Grace through you and out of your womb.
Great news is this, but how can it be.
God’s Spirit will hover as over the sea.
Great grief I’ll behold, be it as you told.
God be with you and off he flew.
34. A Labor of Love (straw) by Erin Greneaux
We entered the stable, a cave cool and dark,
With calm lowing animals, scene bare and stark.
Straw crunched underfoot as we cleared out a space.
I lay on the ground as contractions kept pace.
Not what I expected, but it’d have to do,
For even this circumstance proved God’s will too.
I focused on keeping my breaths slow and deep
Distracted by crickets and shuffling sheep.
I clutched at a crisp piece of dry yellow hay
And pleaded that God make the pain go away.
When life doesn’t look the way I think it should
May crisp straw remind me God works all for good.
