Will there be Christmas now?

CEBU, Philippines - The Mayan calendar portends

Man in 2012 will write 30;

Ocean with mountains contends,

Swells into a space-less odyssey.

When the tidal waves vanquished

Islands just beyond our seas,

When tongues of greedy fires

Obliterated the forest trees,

Did we go on our usual way?

Assured of a clear blue sky,

Not a tremor of a ground sway,

To tarnish our blissful day?

But the waters rose and swirled!

Mindanao was caught askance;

Promises and dreams hurled

Out with the mud, in a glance.

Is Christmas still a choice?

Our world is dark and cold:

A lost embrace, a hushed voice,

A hopeful heart turned old.

Will Christmas be our light?

Faith can gleam, sparkle --

Christ became Man one night;

Crown of holly and myrtle.

Yes, Christmas we will keep

Despite the howling pain

Beyond the wound so deep,

Kindness with kindness gain.

Marlinda Angbetic Tan

12/24/11

May you have a Christmas that is full of giving -- to those who most need a friendly hug, a sincere kiss, a warm hand to hold, some words of reassurance, even just a phone call to let them know you care; and to those who are in dire need of material comfort in the midst of calamities, give up some of your own personal comforts to share them with those who are more in need.

Shalom! Have no fear. The Lord is with us…for always.

Christmas Greetings from The Freeman Lifestyle