Christmas Wishes, 2020

Christmas Wishes To my Mother, Bev Blair, 2020 From Doug Blair, an Appreciative Son

Innkeeper

So why did I do it?

It still isn’t clear.

The rooms were all taken; The busiest this year.

And all of them dusty,

1

And all of them tired.

The trek to their birth-place

By Rome now required.

A census, the issue.

A right royal pain.

And doubtless the purpose More tribute to gain.

The evening was settling, The rush nearly o’er.

But still came a knocking For help at my door.

The couple so tender, The young girl with child.

The husband imploring With eyes almost wild.

About to refuse them, I glanced once at her.

2

Amazingly peaceful And patient, demure…

“But wait, there’s the stable.

Not much of a spot.

But shelter and bedding; That’s all I have got.

And liquids and lanterns And clean swaddling fare.

Go quickly, my children, Your baby comes there!”

(And so near my livestock Messiah was born.

The night sky, the shepherds, The earth-changing morn.)

3

Star Spectacular Leading

I have the wisdom of the East Have studied the stars Poured over the ancient scrolls Made discoveries like thunderbolts.

But now I journey With some learned friends And the trip seems “One-of-a-kind�.

A King is expected The fates tremble with anticipation.

4

Even our desert mounts Sense a change As they plod and jangle Over the miles.

The heavenlies show One Great Star In unprecedented alignment.

We are onto something.

Gifts in hand.

David’s City comes into view.

The small house…the doting little mother.

The Husband protective The Child in precious simplicity.

We have found the Truth.

We fall down And worship Him. No longer able to stand On our own two feet.

​(Matthew 2: 11) 5

Love and Holiday Wishes: It is so unusual to travel to London bearing a few gifts and to have to stay separate and outside your building, Mom. I love you and I remember so many bright Christmas Seasons with you and Dad and Scott, and relatives including Aunt Mary and Aunt Lil, uncles Perce and Pete, Grandad and Janet, Pop and Gram Blair, Aunt Edith, Jerry, Dalton, and friends the Vizes, the Wards, the families at Robinson United Church. It is a beautiful list of hearts held dear.

And your heart, my precious Mother, may it beat with gladness at the sounds of “Joy to the World� this season.

Love from Doug

xoxo

6