Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas

And ground zero lay still.

No digging, no searching,

not the sound of a drill.

The people all gathered,

with hearts joined in prayer

in hopes lasting peace

would soon be everywhere.

No churches, no temples,

no mosques did they need;

for in this hallowed place

had been planted a seed.

The seed was of hope

for the victory of love;

to grow in all hearts

from the one God above.

It would spread through all nations

to all colors and creed;

it would teach us to reach out

to all those in need.

It would grow in our hearts,

spread to all that we touched.

It would generate love -

and we need that so much!

Love for our neighbor,

love for a friend,

love for our family

and it shouldn't depend

on what one can offer,

whether rich, whether poor;

love unconditional,

love that is pure.

Love that would spread

to the whole human race

Love that would radiate

and glow in each face.

Whether black, whether white,

whether yellow or brown;

over mountains,

through deserts,

and each city and town.

The hush from ground zero

would grow, it would swell;

it would send out its message

from every church bell.

The message is loud,

the message is clear;

the message should travel

to those far and near;

let nothing that happened

in this holy place

lead to the destruction

of our human race.

Instead, let it echo

through hearts far and wide

as we gather together

on this blessed Yuletide.

May Peace be our anthem

may love be our creed

may each man be our brother

so our prayer may succeed

in closing the gap

that has torn worlds apart.

Bless us all this Christmas

with love in our hearts.

Peace be with you at Christmas, and all through the year.