Keep Christmas In America – the background

The Poem and What Inspired it…

KEEP CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA

By Sue Charles

 

Yes, it’s Christmas in America! Excitement fills the air!

But Christmas Trees and Manger Scenes cause tension everywhere.

The Atheists build signs of hate and post them in plain view,

And cause a stir of stress and fear – but this is nothing new.

 

They use the Christmas season – meant for peace on earth, good will,

And turn it upside down with all their hate and threats, but still

The people keep on singing, as shopping they will go,

Tuning out each hostile voice meant to make the crushing blow

 

The hate-filled voices of the few don’t mean we all must bow

To their ridiculous demands that say all good must go.

We must not melt in fear and shame when the godless few

Stomp their feet in tantrums, as if they were only Two. 

 

Throughout the ages many tried to crush Christmas altogether,

But the remnant of truth will always keep God’s work forever.

So, celebrate what’s right and true; and kindness, hope and joy

That’s meant for hearts of young and old, for every girl and boy.

 

This nation is a light of hope, a beacon far and near.

We must stand tall, and sing, and pray and even shed a tear

For those who seek to destroy us all, our freedoms and our land.

And everyone who sees our flag and covers heart with hand.

 

We pray a blessing on our people, nation and our land

And keep our hope in God above to watch over as we stand

In courage and in strength, committing ourselves to good

And lend a hand to those less blest, as every person should.

 

So, when the hateful few shout out their message dark and drear,

Just keep in mind that Christmas is a special time of year

To celebrate the Christ child’s birth, to spread the good word too

That all can have that joy and peace with spiritual renew.

 

So, sing the carols, tie the bows and light the Christmas tree,

Say “Merry Christmas” in the mall, the neighborhood, and street.

Keep Christmas in America, hear Choirs far and wide,

Proclaim the season’s hope and peace, and joy of Christmas tide.  

 

~ Sue Charles © Copyright 12-08-08

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The poem above was composed during the time that our State Capital in Olympia was a “hot topic”, even making it in the national news. You know the one about the anti-Christmas hate sign placed beside the Christmas display in the Capitol Rotunda, and the outrage of many that the Governor not only allowed it but also defended it.

 

About that same time, someone had sent me the second verse of the song “Christmas in America”. I looked it up on the internet and read all the lyrics of the song. It is very sweet song, quite different from the anti-Christmas / anti-religion signs and discussions flying around the news and the internet with reference to the situation in Olympia. In pondering the whole thing, the words of the above poem formed in my mind. It seemed to address the subject, so I wrote them down.

……………, 

 

Included below is the second verse of “Christmas in America” as sung by Pat Benatar, and the web address for the whole set of lyrics. http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/pat+benatar/christmas+in+america_10199706.html

 

It’s Christmas in America
Let the angels sing
It’s Christmas in America
Let freedom ring
Let peace resound throughout the world
Especially on this day
It’s Christmas in America
God bless the USA

 

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