Christmas Surprise
By larry r linville

Surprises come into life every day
some subtle ones we seem to miss,
but others alter our normal lives
sneaking up like a small child’s wet kiss.

Surprise hit the teen aged Mary
through a strange messenger from God
with words she couldn’t comprehend
and implications that seemed so odd.

Joseph, too, received a surprise
which changed his whole life’s direction
causing him to spend nights and days
before making his final selection.

The innkeeper must have been shocked
when a new baby’s cry touched his ear
coming from the barn full of cattle
with the parents shouting in much cheer.

The shepherds had a double surprise
on that strange night of all nights.
First when the angels sang their message
and then at the manger’s awesome sights.

True Christmas today brings a surprise
and so many unexpected joys.
It’s a surprise that changes our hearts
in ways more fulfilling than toys.

We miss these surprises in our lives
when we don’t take the time to prepare.
But when we spend time getting hearts ready
We’ll experience the surprise that is there.