'Merry Christmas!' I called out

To shoppers passing by

They stopped and stared in disbelief

With pity in their eyes.

I didn't understand it

But I continued on my way

With a joyful heart I began to sing

'Jesus Is Born Today'!

People started pointing fingers

They looked at me with shame

They said 'You fool! Don't you know

You're not allowed to speak His name!'

I cried 'No! You are mistaken!

No one can take away

The right to celebrate His birth

On this Holy Christmas day!'

An angry mob surrounded me

Crying out, in one accord

Cursing, mocking, daring me

To denounce my Lord.

Fear and sorrow filled my heart

As the police led me away

They said Christmas was a crime

And that I'd have to pay.

They threw me in a cold, dark cell

And I fell down on the floor

Praying 'Jesus, please be with me

Like You always have before.'

Later, something woke me

The sweetest sound on earth

It was a choir singing

About our Blessed Savior's birth

I sat up and looked around

I was safe, in my own bed

It had only been a dream

With thanks, I bowed my head.

As the music filled the air

I got down on my knees

I praised God for the freedom

To celebrate as I please.

'Merry Christmas!' I call out

Unafraid and unashamed

This is the birthday of our King

Rejoice! And praise His name!

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~