When I see the beauty of the outer you, I know that it’s your inner beauty shining through. The words of the Rev. Clarence Reed helped Christmas come early last week for the Natchez minister, and his Christmas gift came not from the North Pole, but from Washington, D.C.

In October, Reed sent a poem he’d written to President Bill Clinton.

Two days before Christmas, the associate minister at Union Baptist Church, and parttime poet and songwriter, received a reply.

&uot;When I went to the post office, they said it wouldn’t fit into my box,&uot; Reed said. &uot;I put it in the car and forgot about it. Finally I looked at it and it said ‘White House’ on it.&uot;

&uot;It&uot; was an autographed letter and photograph of Clinton.

&uot;It’s a blessing to get,&uot; Reed said.

The 64-year-old Reed wrote the poem, titled &uot;I See Love Shining Through,&uot; about 10 years ago, but thought it was a fitting farewell to the outgoing president.

&uot;I thought he was so much like this poem,&uot; Reed explained. &uot;Even though sometimes we don’t show it, let there be a friend, or a family member in need, and Americans will rally to the cause. I’ve noticed that for years.&uot;

A beautiful mind and a caring heart. Yes, a heart full of love and it’s controlled above.

&uot;(Clinton’s) the kind of person that’s concerned about people, so I thought he might write me back,&uot; Reed said.

So often you try to hide your inner glow by putting on an outward show.

&uot;I could see so much good in America and so many people are trying to hide it,&uot; Reed said. &uot;The Lord just blessed me to write (the poem.&uot;

The letter from Clinton was Reed’s second brush with White House fame. In 1964, Reed dedicated a song he’d written to then President Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson wrote a note of thanks back to Reed, who since the 1960s has penned more than 500 songs and poems. He has dozens memorized.

&uot;This has truly been a blessed Christmas,&uot; Reed said.

So I’ll just thank God for the inner you, and the love I see shining through.