Once in a city not that far away,
The time wasn't that long ago from today.
A light from the darkness with peace and joy,
With carols and candles for one special boy.
But this vision has slipped out of our view,
The candles still there but the carols are few.
And now from the darkness there shines the light,
Of neon and sparklers and everything bright.
The meaning has gone and it's plain to see,
With things like Humphrey B Bear and Bugs Bunny.
The candles have burnt out that one great light,
That really is the cause for this special night.
As the voice sounds over the microphone,
"Two dollars for a candle come buy your own!"
It's only thirty dollars for a seat,
Or only eleven to stand on your feet.
There is a meaning there but what is it?
Are you ignorant or just a hypocrite?
Meaning is gone but spirit is still there,
They are both easily found if you'd just care.
Just open your eyes and then you will see,
The true meaning can shine through both you and me.
For Christ came down to die for human kind,
Yet most of us walk off and leave him behind.
For is it carols by the candle's light,
Or songs by the sparklers, just another night?

Lloyd McLean (1991)
 

This poem was written in response to my disappointment at Carols By Candlelight back in the early 90's. This was at a time when I was exploring faith, yet at the same time, the Carols By Candlelight event seemed to be becoming a lot more commercial and almost distancing itself from any religious aspects of Christmas. It was a lot more Jingle Bell Rock and a lot less Silent Night. I must say that in recent times I feel that they have got the balance right again - an event that can have meaning for Christians, as well as being accessible for all to celebrate Christmas, whatever the meaning is for them.

This poem is part of the Horses and Things collection