By CAROLYN NEWMAN

I’ve been thinking and I’ve been told
Everyone you meet could be carryin’ a heavy load.
So with a handshake, a hug or a smile
We can lighten someone’s load for a little while.
People in line at stores decked with holly,
Looking sad and impatient—’Tis the season to be jolly?
All of this rush and this lack of joy
Let’s be estatic about a Holy Baby Boy!
At the end of the day with all of this rush
Think of the Shepherds and the night with a hush.
“For unto you is born a Savior, Emmanuel,
God with us”! We should go and tell.
Let’s try to forget our troubles and strife
Reach out to others who need help in life.
Go see a shut in, give a gift to a needy one
A letter, card, call or text, you’ve just begun.
Go beyond ourselves, help others in need
Life is as compared to what—a message we should heed.
So Merry Christmas! May less problems be seen
When we start a brand new year—the year, 2019.

Carolyn Newman

Carolyn Newman is a retired public school music specialist who spent much of her career at Dyess Elementary School.