Angels
Dime Store Angel
It was just a Christmas angel
that my Mom put on our tree.
She bought it at a five and dime
when I was only three.
Each year we'd trim our Christmas tree
with lights and ornaments.
Then Mom would always tell me
what the angel represents.
The angels came to tell the shepherds
of the Christ Child's birth.
And angels are still here with us
to guide us here on earth.
The angel on our Christmas tree
was made in such a way,
That if the light inside burned out
you just threw it away.
The light burned out when I was twelve,
the angel would not shine.
But Mom would not throw it away,
she said it looked just fine.
She loved that little angel
that she put upon our tree.
She said it didn't need a light
for anyone to see.
Then I grew up, and I moved out,
to start my family.
And I'd go home at Christmas time
to help her trim her tree.
My spouse and children went with me
to Mom's house every year.
The house was filled with love and joy
as we shared our Christmas cheer.
The kids would always say to her
"the angel is burned out".
Then she would smile and tell them
what the angel's all about.
The angels came to tell the shepherds
of the Christ Child's birth.
And angels are still here with us
to guide us here on earth.
My mother passed away this year,
early in the spring.
And then I had the painful task
of going through her things.
The beautiful old house she owned
was left me in her will.
We moved back in the summertime...
we feel her in it still.
Early in December
we brought out our Christmas tree.
I went up to the attic
just to see what I could see.
I saw a cardboard box with markings,
"Ornaments and stuff."
And in it was the little angel
that she loved so much.
I brought the cardboard box downstairs
and showed the family.
Then they persuaded me to put
the angel on our tree.
We trimmed the tree that weekend,
and we talked of Christmas past.
Then when the tree was finally done
the angel went on last.
Every night till Christmas
all the lights were burning bright.
Except the little angel
that had longed burned out her light.
Then on Christmas morning
I arose before the rest.
I had to have my coffee
to be at my very best.
I walked into the living room,
my coffee cup in hand.
Then what I saw, so puzzled me,
I could not understand.
I just stood in silence
as my eyes filled up with tears.
The little angel "all aglow",
that had been dark for years.
Angel on my Christmas Tree,
Pretty in your lofty place,
I see you looking down at me,
I see that smile on your face.
Little Angel, how old are you?
You've been around so long;
I think it was to grandma's mom,
That you first belonged.
Then you were grandma's, then ... our mom's,
And now you belong to me;
So many Christmases you've seen,
So many Christmas Trees.
So many fingers touched you,
Your precious face and eyes;
You, so delicate and fragile,
I'm in awe you're still alive,
Do you remember long ago,
When you broke your little wing,
When dad fell off the ladder,
And dropped all the Christmas things?
We kids gasped and picked you up,
And mama ran to dad,
He laughed and said he was all right,
But your wing was broken bad.
Patiently mom mended it,
Though it was never quite the same;
I think it made me love you more,
To know one wing was maimed.
All my Christmases, but one,
You've hung upon my Tree,
That one was when the war was on,
No one at home ... just me.
Who celebrates the Holidays,
Alone ... all by oneself?
So, little Angel, you were left,
In your box atop the shelf.
But later that same Christmas Eve,
I took you from your place,
And propped you on my tabletop,
Where I could see your face.
I can't remember which year it was,
The kitten got your eye,
The rest of you was still intact,
But without your eye, I cried.
I made another eye for you,
At best, a substitute,
But if you held your head just so,
You still looked sweet and cute.
Each Christmas, I feared, would be your
last,
But there you were next year,
Though marred and scarred and scratched
and patched,
Each year you still were here,
You've aged with Angel dignity,
In spite of one bad wing and eye,
Those scars are your gold medals now,
As you hang on the Tree with pride.
May you always have an Angel by
your side,
Watching out for you in all the things you
do;
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter
days,
Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to
come true;
Giving you hope that is as certain as the
sun,
Giving you the strength of serenity as your
guide,
May you always have love and comfort and courage.
May you always have an Angel by your side.
I said a Christmas Prayer for you
Because the season's near.
I didn't ask for riches
But for gifts so much more dear.
I asked for joyful gatherings
With your family all round,
And for carols to inspire you
With their old familiar sound.
I asked for quiet moments
In your heart on Christmas morn,
For a special time to celebrate
The Savior who was born.
I asked for friends to send their best
That you might know they care;
I asked for peace and love and hope,
And I know God heard my prayer.
~ Author Unknown ~
