From 'Christmas' by John Betjeman

Christmas .... And is it true? And is it true? This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window's he, A Baby in an ox's stall? The Maker of the starts and sea Become a Child on earth for me? And is it true? For if it is, No loving fingers tying strings Around those tissued fripperies, The sweet and silly Christmas things, Bath salts and inexpensive scent And hideous tie so kindly meant. No love that in a family dwells, No carolling in frosty air, Nor all the steeple-shaking bells Can with this simple truth compare - That God was Man in Palestine And lives today in Bread and Wine. John Betjeman

Christmas Poem by 8 year-old Alexander Coulson

Advent Candle Commander of wax Waiting Alone Running from darkness Chameleon of light Brightest star Flame dancer Most beautiful Flowing like a wave The most powerful energy. Alexander Coulson Aged 8 December, 1999

Spike Milligan's Christmas Poem

Christmas 1970 A little girl called Sile Javotte Said: 'Look at the lovely presents I've got.' While a little girl in Biafra said: 'Oh what a lovely slice of bread.' Spike Milligan

There is no Rose 15th Century Christmas Poem

There is no rose of such virtue As in the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluya For in this rose was Heaven and earth in little space Res Miranda. By that rose we well may see That he is God in persons three, Pari forma The angels sungen the shepherds to: 'Gloria in excelsis Deo.' Gaudeamus. Leave we all this worldly mirth, And follow we this joyful birth. Transeamus. 15th Century Christmas Poem Anon * * * * Translation. Res Miranda. A thing to be marvelled at. Pari forma. Of the same form. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Glory to God in the Highest. Gaudeamus. Let us Rejoice. Transeamus. Let us Depart

Favourite Christmas Poem

I Sing of a Maiden. 15th Century. I sing of a maiden that is makeless, King of all kings to her son she ches. He came also stilly there His mother was; As dew in Aprille that falleth on the flower. He came also stilly where is mother lay, As dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray. Mother and maiden was never none but she - Well may such a lady God's mother be! Anon.