Christmas is a great time to get creative in your church services, and whether you are holding a candle-lit carol service or an all-age extravaganza, poems are a wonderful way of engaging with the beauty and wonder of Jesus’ birth. Poems cross many divides and reach out to mind, soul and spirit in ways that words alone often do not. So why not try something different and read a poem out loud.
If you are not sure where to start, here is a Christmas poem written specifically for performance in Church services. It is written by Faith Forster, and taken from her poetry book ‘Holy Oil’, which also features exquisite illustrations by Walter Hayn. You are free to print off this poem and use it in your services, all we ask is that you do give the author credit. If you are interested in more Christmas poems, or even poems for other church occasions, then please consider getting hold of a copy of ‘Holy Oil’ from our shop, from Amazon, or from any good bookshop.
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The Tree
‘The Tree’ by Walter Hayn
The room lay still and silent, only
the sweet high tinkling music of
innumerable fragile spheres
rang out their joyful message
from the tree …
which winked and glowed in radiancy
its branches heavy with the weight of light
and deeper gift-wrapped burdens in its heart …
And one small child
crept softly into the darkened room
to stand apart
and gaze in silence at the sight,
speechless in awe and wonder at this alien tree
that fruited light and splendid mystery …
As long ago
another child
first opened wide His eyes in gloom
and saw a light no other eyes could see,
He also was transfixed in heart
long long before His body knew
that rooting to the ground …
The Word was silent then
as down the years
the distant hidden music reached
His infant ears,
and by the shining of His natal star
in that dim corner of the world’s own night
He saw a tree all radiant with light,
its dark, moist branches glistening from afar,
and He Himself the red-wrapped gift
that hung there heavily …
Yet on that still and holy night
when first He looked upon the sight
He did not turn his face away
from his own Christmas tree,
that waited
for His gift to you and me …
