On this Winter Solstice, ancient whispers rise,
Echoes of Christes Messe beneath darkened skies.
Saturnalia’s laughter, Yule’s evergreen cheer,
Old joys braided together, year after year.

Evergreen and holly, mistletoe held high,
Signs of life enduring as the cold draws nigh.
Gifts once passed in Saturnalia’s feast,
Hands met in gladness, and tables never ceased.

Candles and lights in a soft, golden glow,
Recalling Hanukkah’s enduring hope.
Into the longest night, faith learned to speak,
Choosing December twenty-fifth for the light it would seek.

Sol Invictus, the sun once praised at dawn,
Yielded to Christ as new meaning was drawn.
Through quiet syncretism, pathways aligned,
And Christmas was born in the turning of time.

Jesus’ true birthdate remains unknown—
Spring or fall, by scripture alone.
The early church did not mark the day,
Until the fourth century showed a way.

In medieval streets, carols took wing,
Common voices learning how joy could sing.
Songs of Christmas began their long stay,
Carrying love from age to age.

Now it is time to go caroling, door to door,
Sharing the news of love come down once more.
Good tidings of joy, of peace on earth below,
A Savior’s birth—
a love that will forever grow.

The nineteenth century brought commerce and show,
Mass-made gifts and lights in rows.
Santa Claus slowly took his form,
From Saint Nicholas, kind and warm.

Today Christmas circles the world entire,
Many cultures gathered round one fire.
Hope, peace, joy, and love appear—
He was, is, and will be coming,
year by year.

Merry Christmas upon this waiting earth,
A season of love
and returning light.

— TaeHun Yoon
December 21, 2025