The snow was gleaming well that night,
suffused as if with heaven's light,
and Martin Luther saw that sight,
and thought of candles pure and bright
shining on a pine tree bough
gleaming just as snow does now.
Then turning to his skillful frau,
"Dear Katarina, tell me how
we can create this lovely scene,
on pine tree boughs, forever green?"
"I know, dear husband, what you mean
for I have loved snow's shine and sheen."
"Would tiny candles, tied with care
create the wonder seen out there?"
Those are my thoughts, and to be fair,
the facts are known, I do not err
that we give Martin Luther nod
for decorating trees, though odd,
he sought to help us learn of God
who dwelt with us upon this sod.
"I am the Light"--men heard His call,
and thus to honor Him, each hall
brings in a tree, then one and all
adds decorations, large or small.
All this from Martin Luther's stroll,
and being moved within his soul,
did not enforce, coerce, cajole,
a way we can Good News extol.
Blessings,
Parm
