The Reason for The Season

What is it that I am searching for?
It can’t be found on a website or in a store.
The things that I’ve sought.
The things that I’ve bought.
Don’t leave me fulfilled but wanting more.

I look for answers but don’t hear a sound
That can lift the burdens holding me down.
Through no fault of my own,
Or the seeds that I’ve sown.
I need rescue from my damaged grounds.

A stranger came upon me one winter’s day.
He looked at me in the most unusual way.
“Do you know the reason
For this Christmas season?
If you don’t, would you mind if I pray?”

He looked to the heavens as if he knew
Whatever he said would for sure get through.
“Father, I give you thanks and praise,
And that You are a God of grace.
Please help me to share what is true.”

He then looked at me with care in his eyes
And spoke of that first Christmas night.
“That baby in the manger
Would become no stranger
To the sorrows and betrayals of this life.”

I never went to church or believed.
It was just a crutch for those in need.
But what this man was saying
And the way he was praying,
Was something I had never before seen.

Then I saw the holes in his hands.
He smiled and said, “I understand.
You see I am the reason
For this Christmas season
I see your future, and it is grand.”

Tears began to well up in my eyes.
Am I hearing the truth - not lies?
“If you choose to believe
From Me you will receive
Love, forgiveness and new life.”

Will you believe in the first Christmas day?
And His gift that can never be taken away?
That baby in a manger
Will become your savior
And stay beside you come what may.