The Empty Chair   This year when Christmas boughs are draped, And cards around the doorway taped, And cookies baked, and green wreaths hung, And carols in the crisp night sung; This Christmas cannot be as fair In homes where there’s an empty chair. Dear God in heaven, bless with peace Those whose Christmas joy has ceased, For those who grieve cannot bear The stillness of that empty chair. Instill in them a second sight To see in death a lasting light Which reassures that those who’ve died Now kneel before the manger side To celebrate the blessed birth More grandly than we can on earth. And may those visions of your care Bring hope enough to fill that chair So Christmas carols may be sung And Christmas bells may still be rung And Christmas peace replace all fears And Christmas joy be felt through tears.