Christmas

Tomorrow is the first of December; we made it through Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping and now its four weeks till Christmas. It does not matter if you treat it as a celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, or just a time to share in the love of your family and friends. What is important is that it is going to be here before we know it.

It’s time to get out the lights, put up the tree, and start shopping for gifts. The kids have long since made up their minds and are hinting (no begging) for that special toy. Their world filled with dreams of wonders to come they have visited Santa at the mall, or written their letter to him at the North Pole. Either way they have made sure that he knows what their hart desires under the tree.

As we get caught up in the madness of the next few weeks let us not forget the reason Christmas is even here. At this time of year we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, the Son Of God who came to save us from sin and grant us life eternal if we believe in him. It is the time when we should think of those less fortunate then we are. Time to give of our bounty to those who are in need of shelter, food, and the reassurance that some one loves them.

In closing, merry Christmas and may your life be filled with the blessings of the season.

All I Want For Christmas

What do I want for Christmas? Peace on earth, goodwill towards men, the economy to get better, all my friends and family to be healthy and happy? How about an end to poverty and hunger? The list of altruistic desires could go on and on.

The truth of the matter is that as wonderful as all those things are what I really want is stuff and lots of it. I am as greedy as the next person and am willing to admit it.  A new 48 inch led HD TV, a blue ray player, a new computer, an I pod,  and a cell phone. In lieu of those things I’ll take cash and lots of it. Enough to let my wife and I move down south to someplace where they never heard on snow.

I took an honest look at myself and realized that I am tired of always giving. It may be better to give than receive, but as selfish as it might be I want to receive. I’ve spent years giving to others in need. I’ve cast my bread upon the waters and now I’m ready to have it return.  When we look at the tree Christmas morning there should be a great big pile of presents all addressed to me. I mean big, I want Santa to get a hernia carrying them.

Well maybe that isn’t quite the truth. If there is something there I’ll be thankful. Thankful for the love and caring the gift represents and grateful that I have family and friends that want to show me that they care.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Snowmen, presents, holiday trees are these the symbols of the season? Lights in the yard, inflatable decorations, and deer made out of wire and lights; do these say happy holidays? Somehow from time to time a star or angel slips in, but does anyone remember why? Does the average person remember that there is more to the holidays then letters to Santa and gifts under the tree?

 

Why does it seem that we have forgotten what it’s all about? Why has everything become holiday this and holiday that? Have we become afraid to call it Christmas? Have we forgotten that what we are doing is celebrating the birth of Christ? That He was born so we might be saved?  That He is God’s gift to the world, His only Son. He was born to save us all.

 

We need to remember what is written in Luke chapter two.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

 

Christmas Love

Love sat under the Christmas tree,
wrapped in paper and tied
with a bow.

For the children to find
on Christmas Day,
so a world of happiness
they could know.

In another house
just down the street,
there were no gifts all shiny and new.
yet love was still there, Just hidden from view.

For Christmas love is a magic thing
that needs not a box
wrapped in gold.

It comes form the heart,
is given with joy,
and can not be
bought or sold.