If this Christmas finds you burdened,
With no happy, joyous smile;
Maybe Mary being weary
Might rest with you
If in her shelter-seeking,
From Inn to crowded Inn,
She meets but greed and battle,
Hatred , death, and sin.
But finds a humble welcome
In the dwelling of your heart,
Though it bring you pain and sorrow,
Could you ask her to depart?
When submitting, you accept
Her burden with a prayer.....
Oh the glory of your joy
To find the Christ child there!
Mary McDevitt
Robert, Cyril. Our Lady's Praise in Poetry. New York: Marist Press,
1944.