'Tis the Season

"Tis the season for remembrance
Remembering Thanksgivings past
Of family gatherings and turkey dinners
Of times when we and our children were younger

'Tis the season for embracing the new
For embracing our loved ones
Gone but not forgotten, far away but close at heart
For embracing those still close at hand

'Tis the season to again believe in hope
Hope for a kinder more accepting future
Hope for forgiveness making room for tolerance
Hope for peace that transcends our understanding

'Tis the season for some to lay their loved ones to rest
To say prayers for those souls departed
To take a good hard look at ourselves
To accept love and forgiveness from the God who created us

'Tis the season for endings and beginnings
For nature to lay down and slumber
For knowing that after a long dark night a new day will dawn
For being grateful for a new chance to begin again