Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS IS . . .

Christmas is a time of love,
A time of joy and cheer.
Christmas is a peaceful time,
That wondrous time of year.
A time of faith, a time of hope,
Of friendships much more true;
Christmas is a joyous time
When love shall come to you.

Christmas is a little child.
It's tinsel shining bright,
Frosted windows, snowy lanes,
Candles in the night.
It's Santa Claus and dreams come true,
So much that gladness sees;
It's holly wreaths and silver bells
And star-tipped Christmas trees.

Christmas is a place called home...
A door thrown open wide;
A crackling fire all aglow
And loving hearts inside.
It's happy faces, shining eyes,
Soft music in the air;
It's tissue, ribbon, cards to write
And secrets everywhere.

Christmas is a lighted church...
The very nicest part,
Believing in a special way
A prayer that fills your heart.
It's friendliness so much more real,
A blessing from above;
Christmas is the special time
We greet the folks we love.
~ Author Unknown ~

THE STRANGER

As people rushed about Him at a hurried sort of pace.
He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,
The shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.

The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,
Some with smiles and some with frowns and some to tired to go.
They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way,
To fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.

The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear,
Of Santa Claus and snowmen and a funny-nosed reindeer.
He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,
Of parties, fun and food galore and gifts exchanged that day.

"I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say.
"There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.
And would you tell me who this is all dressed in red and white?
And why are the children asking him about a special night?"

The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ear!
I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here.
The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys
. When they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he brings them lots of toys.
The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly,
The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.
His gift-packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer,
As he flies quickly through the air, while going here and there.
The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small,
When Christmas comes he is the most important one of all."

He held His head in shame, He closed a nail-pierced hand.
His body shook in disbelief; He did not understand.
A shadow crossed His stricken face, His voice was low but clear
"After all these years they still don't know." And Jesus shed a tear.
~~~ Author Unknown~~~

The Legend of the First Christmas Tree

The night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures,both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

Christmas Wishes

May the songs of Christmas
Come softly to your ear,
And tell again the meaning
Of this blessed time of year.

May the bells of Christmas
Chime their tunes so bright and gay,
Ringing out their cheer and hope
On this glad Christmas Day.

May the peace of Christmas
Fill your heart with strength anew,
As you know what God gaveth
When He sent His Son to you.

May all the gifts of Christmas
Be a means of sharing love,
Like the gift of Christ, our Saviour,
Sent with love from God above.

May the joy of Christmas
Dwell so deep within your heart
That throughout the year to come
It never shall depart.

May the love of Christmas
Fill your heart and soul,
So peace on earth, good will toward men
Will be your greatest goal