Comox Valley resident Murray Coulter has penned this Christmas poem to share with Comox Valley Record readers:
Christmas As a Boy
by Murray Coulter
When I was a young boy growing up, Christmas was the most special time
Christmas songs and carols rang out from every store with an old familiar rhyme.
The Hudson Bay windows in Victoria were all done up with Saint Nicholas and elves
Christmas trees with lights and toys with wrapped-up boxes sat on all the shelves.
Angels, shepherds, even Mary with baby Jesus and a donkey could be seen
A star of Bethlehem, three Wise Men, it was all there for my young eyes to glean.
I enjoyed the people hanging around, smiles and laughter, Merry Christmas one would shout
Little rosy-cheeked children bundled in coats with scarves as families bustled all about.
Yes, there was something very special about Christmas that filled my heart with joy
Back then we didn’t get spoiled on Christmas morn with much more than a humble toy.
Most of all it was the happy people with laughter just walking around,
Silver bells could be heard ringing, it was a very pleasant sound.
Rosy little children bundled up to keep them from the winter cold
In the distance, I heard a choir singing Silent Night a familiar song of old.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild.
In those days tears from my eyes would run,
For scarcely could I comprehend God sending us His Son.
Many years have come and gone, I’m getting old and grey,
If I close my eyes I can still see that boy on Christmas Day.
Sometimes tears still cloud my vision and it’s hard for me to say,
How precious is the love of God revealed to us on Christmas Day.