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Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem
This dazzling Christmas poem by Maya Angelou is powerful and inspiring for people of all faiths.
In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”
Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December 1, 2005, Maya Angelou’ s celebration of the “Glad Season” is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of life.
In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”
Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December 1, 2005, Maya Angelou’ s celebration of the “Glad Season” is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of life.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2005
42 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Maya Angelou
295 books14.6k followersMaya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
December 11, 2020
Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters . . .
I suspect we need it more this year than ever.
Hope is born again in the faces of children . . .
And, wouldn't this be nice?
In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We deserve it, don't we?
Now . . . what can we do to make it happen?
All the earth's tribes loosen their voices
to celebrate the promise of Peace.
Christmas enters . . .
I suspect we need it more this year than ever.
Hope is born again in the faces of children . . .
And, wouldn't this be nice?
In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We deserve it, don't we?
Now . . . what can we do to make it happen?
All the earth's tribes loosen their voices
to celebrate the promise of Peace.
December 20, 2017
I saw this was by Maya Angelou at the Library and scooped it up. I love this. I love the mixing of religions and races the art does and I enjoy the simple message we can use right now - Peace. It's about coming together and hearing the song we all long for = Peace.
The kids were rather reactionless. It did not strike a chord for them, at least not in this time of Christmas. It is a Christmas message and about this time of year when Peace is most possible. It might not be about getting gifts and I'm glad they heard the message in this book so it can root in their hearts.
I think this will be a yearly book in our house.
The kids were rather reactionless. It did not strike a chord for them, at least not in this time of Christmas. It is a Christmas message and about this time of year when Peace is most possible. It might not be about getting gifts and I'm glad they heard the message in this book so it can root in their hearts.
I think this will be a yearly book in our house.
December 9, 2020
’When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.’
-- Jimi Hendrix
Visually, this story is a delight, the illustrations, painted by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, are worthy of hanging in a museum and they add much to this narrative poem written by Maya Angelou for the 2005 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It is a call to and for peace.
’Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters.
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the
bright air.
The word is encouraged to come away from rancor.
Come the way of friendship.’
There is, of course, more to this poem.
A lovely book, a lovely poem, and a reminder of the message of love that is the heart of the season.
Maya Angelous’ 2005 Christmas reading of Amazing Peace at the White House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrcUn...
-- Jimi Hendrix
Visually, this story is a delight, the illustrations, painted by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, are worthy of hanging in a museum and they add much to this narrative poem written by Maya Angelou for the 2005 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It is a call to and for peace.
’Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters.
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the
bright air.
The word is encouraged to come away from rancor.
Come the way of friendship.’
There is, of course, more to this poem.
A lovely book, a lovely poem, and a reminder of the message of love that is the heart of the season.
Maya Angelous’ 2005 Christmas reading of Amazing Peace at the White House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrcUn...
December 22, 2016
This is a special edition of Maya Angelou's poem, which she wrote to celebrate Christmas. The poem Amazing Peace was read by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the National Christmas tree near the White House, in Washington D.C. in 2005. It is printed here, divided into a picture book, suitable for family reading. The illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are unusual; oil on canvas, rather than the standard illustrative technique for children's books of watercolour. The result is a rough texture, with bold broad brush strokes - almost impasto in places. This reflects the harsh weather conditions, and the raw feel of the poem, quite well. The pictures are quite quirky and stylised, becoming full of character as the optimism floods into the poem.
Additionally there is a CD of Maya Angelou reading her poem attached to the inside cover. This is a lovely extra. She briefly explains the world events at the time, which are referred to in the poem,
"this climate of fear and apprehension"
"hate ... crouches breeding in dark corridors"
and the severe weather crises to which the world had recently been subjected. She explains that this poem was her response to them.
"Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner"
"how to look beyond complexion and see community"
Her voice is resonant and firm; this is a poem with a message. Listening to Maya Angelou reading the poem initially, this is the way the poem continues to feel on subsequent readings - you can "hear" the poet's voice.
It is clearly by a Christian writer, but is nevertheless an attempt at an all-encompassing poem, and one of warmth and great strength.
"Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother,
Peace, My Sister,
Peace, My Soul."
Additionally there is a CD of Maya Angelou reading her poem attached to the inside cover. This is a lovely extra. She briefly explains the world events at the time, which are referred to in the poem,
"this climate of fear and apprehension"
"hate ... crouches breeding in dark corridors"
and the severe weather crises to which the world had recently been subjected. She explains that this poem was her response to them.
"Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner"
"how to look beyond complexion and see community"
Her voice is resonant and firm; this is a poem with a message. Listening to Maya Angelou reading the poem initially, this is the way the poem continues to feel on subsequent readings - you can "hear" the poet's voice.
It is clearly by a Christian writer, but is nevertheless an attempt at an all-encompassing poem, and one of warmth and great strength.
"Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother,
Peace, My Sister,
Peace, My Soul."
January 5, 2021
Oh my what a lovely little story.
It talks about the real meaning of peace and then shows multicultural pictures to support the idea. Truly a blessing to be able to read
Maya Angelou strikes again with a project that is not only a fantastic story but graphics that are beautiful art.
I highly recommend.
It talks about the real meaning of peace and then shows multicultural pictures to support the idea. Truly a blessing to be able to read
Maya Angelou strikes again with a project that is not only a fantastic story but graphics that are beautiful art.
I highly recommend.
November 28, 2019
“Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters… The world is encouraged to come away from rancor, Come the way of friendship.”
A lovely poem. I read this hoping to find some of the holiday spirit and Maya Angelou did not disappoint.
This poem is for “angels and mortals, believers and nonbelievers” and anyone who needs to find some peace in the season. It reminds the reader of the humanity of the season and connectedness.
A lovely poem. I read this hoping to find some of the holiday spirit and Maya Angelou did not disappoint.
This poem is for “angels and mortals, believers and nonbelievers” and anyone who needs to find some peace in the season. It reminds the reader of the humanity of the season and connectedness.
December 17, 2025
This beautiful poem is something that we need more than ever now during these trying times worldwide. Maya Angelou wrote it in 2005 and read it at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December first of that year.
I think that the description written on the book jacket perfectly describes this poem:
“In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world.”
Peace.
I think that the description written on the book jacket perfectly describes this poem:
“In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world.”
Peace.
December 31, 2018
We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.
Peace.
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you, to stay a while with us.
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.
***
December 8, 2019
A lovely poem with beautiful illustrations.
July 15, 2025
I was unaware this was Christmas-related poetry until I returned home with it from the library, but it brought me peace! I would suggest reading it during the proper season though. I suppose it could be Christmas in July🤷🏼♀️🎄🕊️
September 8, 2022
update 09/07/2022:
so, i may have been too harsh in my original review. since then, i’ve reread this poem and a lot has changed in almost 6 years.
in 2016, i had just graduated college with an English degree, and may have judged a little too harshly. though i stand by what i’ve said, i also want to point out that any piece of writing that preaches peace is very important. maya angelou is a staple in the world of black literature and feminism. iconic is the only word i can really think of.
i’ve reread the poem a few times tonight (oddly out of nowhere) and i’m so appreciative of what miss angelou aimed to do: spread the word of peace during a joyous season, no matter race, religion, beliefs and non beliefs. that is powerful! that is what is needed in a world full of anger, hate, and prejudice. for those of us with a platform as miss angelou once had, spreading peace is crucial. for that, i’m incredibly appreciative to all that do.
i’ve made some observance changes. though i stand by what i’ve said, i’ve also updated how i regard this poem after reading in the present (which i guess is now the past as of twenty minutes ago).
-------
orignal post 11/22/2016:
This poem was written as a celebration of peace and Christmas and read by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the White House in 2005.
So I'm not really mixed on this poem, but I have to say a few things:
1) Of course the poem sounds good, because when words come together in a well-written way they'll always sound good (hopefully). But that's not enough. There is so much that a writer can do with form and language that can transform a poem from good to SPECTACULAR. This poem falls short [inserted 09/07/2022:in many ways, but intention is not one of them. the message is so very clear (maybe too clear to label as poetry and not spoken word) and that is where some of my criticism comes from. i’m used to reading poetry and searching for meaning, instead of having the meaning laid out on the surface. to me, that is more like spoken-word, of which you would hear in a coffee shop, or i guess as this poem was read aloud at the white house.].
2) I think that because Maya Angelou's reputation as an activist along with her many publications as a poet and author has her held to a certain light, she's able to write in simplistic terms and everyone will label it poetry and/or good writing. Though not bad, I look for more than just words on a page that sound nice when it comes to any form of writing, especially poetry. For me, most of the poem is "right there," meaning I don't have to look beyond the surface for a greater meaning. Yes it's essentially beautiful because it is an all-inclusive poem for different religions and backgrounds and calls for world peace, but that by itself is not enough for me when it comes to poetry. I like to be surprised. I like to feel the words flow through my veins, bumping along the way, causing my skin to protrude outward rhythmically as it makes its way to my heart.So far, Maya isn't cutting it for me. I adore her for all she's done in her life, and for the woman that she was. But the poetry I've read so far, save for the poems during my childhood that are very faint in my memory, just haven't done it for me. The same goes for her writing style in her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, though the content is powerful, and heart-wrenching. [inserted 09/07/2022: i may find many things i dislike in miss angelou’s writing as it pertains to style i’ve grown accustomed to and love, but i must remember she is writing from a different background, in a different time, in a style that is true to her. i really need to revisit her memoir and maybe this time actually write a review for it. i really love coming back to old reviews to see where i was when i wrote them and where i’ve gotten to today. a lot has changed, and i’m always of the mind that a person’s thought process, likes/dislikes, personality, ideas, criticism is always in a perpetual state of change. at what rate that change is made is unknown. some stick to the way they have thought for years. i do not. i’m always a work in progress. humans exist and experience, and experiences change us.]
so, i may have been too harsh in my original review. since then, i’ve reread this poem and a lot has changed in almost 6 years.
in 2016, i had just graduated college with an English degree, and may have judged a little too harshly. though i stand by what i’ve said, i also want to point out that any piece of writing that preaches peace is very important. maya angelou is a staple in the world of black literature and feminism. iconic is the only word i can really think of.
i’ve reread the poem a few times tonight (oddly out of nowhere) and i’m so appreciative of what miss angelou aimed to do: spread the word of peace during a joyous season, no matter race, religion, beliefs and non beliefs. that is powerful! that is what is needed in a world full of anger, hate, and prejudice. for those of us with a platform as miss angelou once had, spreading peace is crucial. for that, i’m incredibly appreciative to all that do.
i’ve made some observance changes. though i stand by what i’ve said, i’ve also updated how i regard this poem after reading in the present (which i guess is now the past as of twenty minutes ago).
-------
orignal post 11/22/2016:
This poem was written as a celebration of peace and Christmas and read by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the White House in 2005.
So I'm not really mixed on this poem, but I have to say a few things:
1) Of course the poem sounds good, because when words come together in a well-written way they'll always sound good (hopefully). But that's not enough. There is so much that a writer can do with form and language that can transform a poem from good to SPECTACULAR. This poem falls short [inserted 09/07/2022:in many ways, but intention is not one of them. the message is so very clear (maybe too clear to label as poetry and not spoken word) and that is where some of my criticism comes from. i’m used to reading poetry and searching for meaning, instead of having the meaning laid out on the surface. to me, that is more like spoken-word, of which you would hear in a coffee shop, or i guess as this poem was read aloud at the white house.].
2) I think that because Maya Angelou's reputation as an activist along with her many publications as a poet and author has her held to a certain light, she's able to write in simplistic terms and everyone will label it poetry and/or good writing. Though not bad, I look for more than just words on a page that sound nice when it comes to any form of writing, especially poetry. For me, most of the poem is "right there," meaning I don't have to look beyond the surface for a greater meaning. Yes it's essentially beautiful because it is an all-inclusive poem for different religions and backgrounds and calls for world peace, but that by itself is not enough for me when it comes to poetry. I like to be surprised. I like to feel the words flow through my veins, bumping along the way, causing my skin to protrude outward rhythmically as it makes its way to my heart.
February 4, 2017
Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou is aptly named, not just because it reflects the content of the poem, but also because amazing peace is what the words deliver to it's reader.
This is one of the most beautiful poems that I have read, and it spoke to my heart, especially on this day when our country is so divided over election results.
I recommend everyone to read this, and experience the message as I have. Note: There is also a children's picture book available.
Quotes:
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope and singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainism, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you to stay awhile with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.
This is one of the most beautiful poems that I have read, and it spoke to my heart, especially on this day when our country is so divided over election results.
I recommend everyone to read this, and experience the message as I have. Note: There is also a children's picture book available.
Quotes:
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope and singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,
Come the way of friendship.
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainism, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you to stay awhile with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.
February 9, 2017
Gorgeously illustrated!
March 5, 2019
The ecumenism per se (Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, Jew and Jainist, Catholic and Confucian) isn't what bothers me. One can invite all to worship the Christ Child. It was the lack of clarity regarding that exclusivity of the Christian gospel. This line was particularly questionable (bordering on terrible): "At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Brith of Jesus Christ / Into the great religions of the world." The ambiguity of Into is troubling. Jesus doesn't save people from their sins so much as he offers another interesting (and equally valid) option. The "true" meaning of Christmas doesn't flatten all religious differences.
December 26, 2024
Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C., on December 1, 2005.
First, I read through the poem on the Kindle app. Then I found the event on YouTube and listened to Dr. Angelou read it, while I followed along, (There were a few edits.) Either way, this poem is a good reminder of the peace that Christmas should bring.
Twelve Books of Christmas 7/12
First, I read through the poem on the Kindle app. Then I found the event on YouTube and listened to Dr. Angelou read it, while I followed along, (There were a few edits.) Either way, this poem is a good reminder of the peace that Christmas should bring.
Twelve Books of Christmas 7/12
November 27, 2017
Maya Angelou presents a festive, more or less religious, and very well written homage on peace. Amazing Peace is not really my cup of tea but I cannot imagine a better poem for a White House tree-lighting ceremony.
3,5*
3,5*
November 17, 2022
This isn't geared for children. Although it has pictures, it's a tolerance/politically correct speech on having peace towards all peoples and all religions.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 23, 2016
This is a beautiful book with lovely illustrations. The version I read had a CD with the poem being read by Maya Angelou and it was even more remarkable when read by her.
Listen to these remarkable words:
"It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled
by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds."
Truly lovely...and so needed!!
Listen to these remarkable words:
"It is loud now.
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled
by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds."
Truly lovely...and so needed!!
January 20, 2016
Two different versions of this book -- the one in my hand is a slim white book with no pictures. The other one is a brightly illustrated version with Children and Christmas trees throughout. The main theme of the poem is that Christmas is the only time of year that believers and nonbeliever can "say without shyness or apology or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul."
December 30, 2016
The audio reading by Angelou herself is a real treat. A beautiful poem with beautiful illustrations. A lovely read for the season.
February 9, 2017
Gorgeous illustrations!
December 10, 2019
This is an illustrated picture book edition of a poem that Maya Angelou wrote for the White House tree-lighting ceremony back in 2005. I had never read it. It is lovely, and the illustrations add to it. But here is what I would recommend: some poetry is meant to be heard (I know some people argue that ALL poetry is meant to be read aloud. I don't agree. That's a debate for another day, though). This is one of those poems. This edition comes with a CD of Angelou reading her poem, or you can just look it up on youtube and watch her read it. I am not a big Christmas person. I am certainly not Christian. But this, - this is a Christmas I can get behind.
"We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.”
"We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.”
December 25, 2018
As a child growing up in a very religious family, my father would read the story of Jesus' birth from the bible every Christmas Eve. As an adult and comfortably away from religion, I missed that tradition reading to my kids on Christmas Eve. My mother, bless her heart, gave me this book with that in mind. It is perfect. It says everything right. It is non religious and yet would fit in properly with almost any religious tradition. It is short and can be read comfortably with both children and adults. It is not shy about the Peace we regularly seek and are often grateful to find during Christmas. It is beautiful in it's message and a great reminder of what makes Christmas special.
December 1, 2020
This is a nice book, but rather short. It's printed on gorgeous paper and obviously intended to be given as a gift. I wish there had been more of an introduction to it or more commentary or perhaps a collection of additional Christmas poems.
The poem itself celebrates the hope for peace that Christmas brings. I imagine it was perfect for its reading at the National Christmas Tree and I would love to see a recording of that event.
The poem itself celebrates the hope for peace that Christmas brings. I imagine it was perfect for its reading at the National Christmas Tree and I would love to see a recording of that event.
December 18, 2017
What a beautiful Christmas Poem written by Maya Angelou. I have read some of her writings before and enjoyed them very much. Not only is her words beautiful, but the art in this book, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher was stunning. Love, Peace and Good Will are always the theme for the Christmas season. But oh how they are needed in the world today.
December 18, 2017
What a beautiful Christmas Poem written by Maya Angelou. I have read some of her writings before and enjoyed them very much. Not only is her words beautiful, but the art in this book, by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher was stunning. Love, Peace and Good Will are always the theme for the Christmas season. But oh how they are needed in the world today.
December 22, 2022
This is a really nice (though slim) collection of poems by Maya Angelou. I've read her work before, but I've never listened to her read her own poems, and that was a treat! If possible, give this one a listen. It really enhances the experience.
December 1, 2019
#SundayPoetry
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
December 9, 2025
A Christmas poem by the late and wonderful Maya Angelou with a message of peace for all faiths or non faiths, for all hues, for everyone at Christmas. My copy was beautifully illustrated and available at my local library through Libby. I can only imagine her deep and resounding voice as only she could recite it.
December 26, 2021
What a gorgeous and perfect and extremely timely book. This should be read AND put into practice every single year [not to mention put into practice every single day]. Peace. Peace. Glorious Peace. To you and yours. Always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews