Ready for Christmas?

“Ready for Christmas,” she said with a sigh,
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high.
Then wearily sat for a moment and read
Till soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.

Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream;
“Ready for Christmas! What do you mean?
When just two days ago last week
You wouldn’t acknowledge your friend in the street.”

“Ready for Christmas, while holding a grudge!
Perhaps you had better let God be the judge.
Why, how can the Christ child come and abide
In a heart that is selfish and filled with pride?”

“Ready for Christmas! You’ve worked, it is true.
But just doing the things that you wanted to do.
Ready for Christmas! Your circle’s too small.
Why, you are not ready for Christmas at all.”

She awoke with a start, and a cry of despair,
“There’s so little time, and I’ve still to prepare!
“Oh, Father, forgive me, I see what you mean;
To be ready means more than a house swept clean.”

Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree,
It’s the heart swept clean that He wants to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness, sin,
Ready for Christmas means ready for Him!”