A Corrections Christmas Day

The family gathers round
They are missing you most
But they understand your duty
And the importance of your post
Thank you for your faithfulness
At your station this Christmas Day
I want to express my gratefulness
But it’s more than mere words can say
There is no one to pass the turkey
Or ring the Christmas bell
As you fulfill your vital mission
Checking cell by cell
It is still Christmas Day
Yet there are no halls decked with holly
And the scenery behind these walls
Is anything but jolly
No shared holiday traditions here
Of tinsel strewn upon a tree
And mistletoe under which to kiss
Or praying child on bended knee
Here in this concrete city
There are familiar things today
Of miserable choices and clanging steal
From which you’d like to turn away
One has responded to the call
Hope arises in my mind
He has brought a gift
A precious treasure to find
From Bethlehem’s manger to Calvary’s Hill
All the way to this jungle of concrete and steal
He has brought hope and peace for you
Strength and comfort that are real
The manger of Bethlehem was lonely and lowly
For our dear Saviour’s birth
May you fully comprehend
The excellence of His worth
I am thankful for you corrections officer
And for this gift of salvation today
So you can have the best and what matters most
This blessed Christmas Day!