Our Light

OUR LIGHT

More than two thousand years ago in a stable one night

cow and donkeys were witnesses to a holy sight.

A baby was born to Joseph and his betrothed wife.

They named their son Jesus, a boy, who brought such delight.

The animals shared their own manger that night

for the baby needed a place to sleep tight.

The cows and donkeys shared their manger with delight,

reminding us all to share, which is also right.

God told the new parents they would have a son who would become our Light.

They cared for him the best they could in a stable that first Christmas night.

He also is called Immanuel, or God with us, that's right.

God provided a way to guide us in our journey through life.

Nearby there were flocks of sheep bleating in the night.

To these shepherds, everything seemed to be all right.

When suddenly the sky was filled with a bright light.

The shepherds never before had had such a fright.

“Do not fear” the angel said with delight.

“Good news of great joy" I bring to you tonight.

Then many angels appeared singing with all their might:

“peace on earth, good will to everyone.” Meaning no strife.

The shepherds prepared to go see this Light,

who was born to save us all from our plight.

They found the baby in the city of David that night

with Mary and Joseph who were filled with so much delight.

The shepherds then told everyone with delight

a new king is born to us, He is our Light.

Everyone who heard this new news that night

were amazed and also filled with delight.

The shepherds returned home praising God for the Light,

born in a lowly stable that first Christmas night,

for everything they had seen and heard with delight

happened just as the angels told them that dark night.

Meanwhile wise men were searching far and near for the Light

riding humped camels who clumped over the lowlands and heights.

They followed a special star way up high in the sky so bright.

The star was so bright, it lead them all the way night after night.

The humped camels clumped on and on with all their might,

following that star which lead them right to the Light.

The star stopped over the house where Jesus was, that's right.

Then the wise men, also, were filled with so much delight.

The wise men bowed down and worshiped Jesus, the Light,

and gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that night.

Gifts meant for a king, who was born on the first Christmas night,

King Jesus, who came to save us all from our sins, He's our Light.

He came as our Light to give us life:

eternal life in heaven so bright

and on this earth abundant life without strife

for Jesus will carry our burdens in life.

You can live you life free from strife and with delight

when you believe and make Jesus Lord of your life.

For He is a close as a prayer, so just sit tight.

Do not fear. God is with You. Jesus is your light.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."

John 8:12

"I am the light of the world."

John 9:5

"I have come into the world as a light."

John 12:46

Thank you to all who have taken the time to read these Christmas stories this busy month of December.  You are a blessing!  I'll resume posting gardening stories come January.  Life Is a Garden Party is available via CreateSpace or Amazon.  For those who plan ahead, it would make great Mother's Day gifts.

A New Way

A NEW WAY

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go still ahead of them

the wise men had come a long, long way from afar

being led along the way by a bright star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven leading the way.

Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along

through many days and starry nights long.

Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way

they learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY.

This special star led them

to a house in Bethlehem

where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King

who came to earth with a NEW WAY of life to bring.

Worshiped by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiped through praising and glorifying in word

just as the shepherds had earlier done

when announcing a "NEW WAY" had come.

This NEW WAY of life for mankind brought needed salvation

and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."

This NEW WAY of life now ensures us

that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for, then finding the Christ-child,

the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod

except they were warned in a dream not to,

to return home by a NEW WAY hereto.

A NEW WAY, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.

This NEW WAY is also available to each one of us personally.

So off these truly wise men (and humbled shepherds) went

though never again the same

for a NEW WAY of life was available to them, and to us also,

as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?

It's never too late to return

to seek God's way, His plan and purpose for us

by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example

the Old Testament records many examples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding going their own way got them into trouble.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?

It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of trouble.

God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.

Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is still available.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find your way will be different

as His presence will go with you

as you travel a way that's new.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:28, 30-32

Come, let us return to the Lord...

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 6:1, 3

"Even now," declares the Lord,

"return to me with all your heart..."

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity

and leave behind a blessing.

Joel 2:12-14

"Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty,

"and I will return to you."

Zechariah 1:3

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your NEW WAY.

Teach me your ways so I may know you.

Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to

fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees

that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your ways, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:13-14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

"This is the way, walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

I am the way and the truth and the life.

John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers

as a follower of the Way.

Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

Persevering

PERSEVERING

composed by Judy Janowski

December 1, 2010

For weeks and months they hike

persevering countless days and nights

with only a star shining bright

as a beaming, guiding light

wise men or magi alight

persevering camels that fight

sandstorms at night

and windstorms quite

harsh and not liked.

Whatever their plight

they persevere with might

keeping that star in sight.

These camels, stately like a knight

or a steed, persevere day and night

plodding along keeping one bright

glorious shining star in sight.

Persevering these wise men are right

to persevere and not give in to fright.

It is their hope, this shining star so bright,

of which poets across the ages write.

That star, His star, in the sky, so bright

unbeknownst to them will bring delight

for it leads them to the one who is the Light

the Light of World, in fact, is in sight.

You know, it's only God who could write

a story with such intrigue and delight.

Who would ever think that a star shining bright

or camels that plod day-after-day and night

would be part of the greatest story ever told, that's right!

This story that guided countless civilizations alright.

A story that unfortunately has become an oversight

for many keep Christ out of their Christmas celebration night.

The greatest gift you could give your family tonight

is to read this true story one December night.

This story that never grows old and will delight

when you persevere in doing what is right.

* * * * *

What if the camels had gone on strike?

What if the wise men had given up their flight?

What if there had been no extraordinary star?

This story would have had a different ending, by far.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

Do life's hardships seem like too much?

Perhaps it's because you're not looking up?

Perhaps you need to feel God's loving touch.

If you fix your eyes on your circumstance

then you are not giving the Lord a chance

to perform a great and good work in you.

Is that the reason you've been feeling blue?

Consider that circumstance a test

that is sent to grow your faith

then look to the Lord who has your best

interests – always – in His heart.

Don't give up.

Keep looking up.

God will be there for you

with a good plan for you.

In fact, something extraordinary

that He can only accomplish through you.

So that circumstance, less than ordinary,

is sent to perfect, mature, and complete you.

View it as a gift.

Then you'll see your spirit

within you lift.

Doesn't God give good gifts!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured...

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1b-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

Wise Men

WISE MEN

In the Bible story of old

a story of Wise Men is told.

We read about them in Matthew 2.

They appear to have been well to do.

These Wise Men were said to be scientific astrologers

who for a living studied the night sky for special stars.

Perhaps the first horoscopes

came from these mysterious folks.

They recorded statistics

and were somewhat mystic,

foretelling of future unknown events -

perhaps calamity they would circumvent.

Traveling by camel caravan

eastward over strange and distant lands

they were following a unique star.

One which led them night after night afar.

They knew the star belonged to the king of the Jews

for the prophets said a king would be born to rule.

The star led them to the house where the Lord Jesus,

Christ, the Savior, with his mother, Mary, was.

These wise men bowed down and worshiped the Christ-child

then presented him with gifts they had compiled.

Do you know what made these men wise?

Was it the stars in the sky?

Was it statistics and supposition?

Was it financial gain and man's wisdom?

These men were wise because they followed the light

that led them to the one who could give them sight.

Sight to see their need of a personal Savior

where heaven's destination wasn't through labor.

Sight when they met the Light of the World

who was born that first Christmas Day we're told.

* * * * *

These ancient wise men of old went searching.

Today men and women are still searching.

Searching through worldly thrills that bring a degree of pleasure

but in the end leaves an emptiness beyond measure.

Stop searching,

start reaching

toward the everlasting light

that brings hope and delight.

You will become wise, too,

if you end your search anew

and discover the Light of the World.

It's the greatest story ever told.

Wise men

still seek Him.

Become wise

in God's eyes.

...Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him..."

They went on their way,

and the star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

They they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts

of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

The Christmas Gift

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

On that special day that baby Jesus was born,

Joseph and Mary had traveled to Bethlehem.

With taxpayers the town was crowded,

so all the inns and lodges were filled.

The one place lodging was available

for them to spend the night was a stable.

It came to pass that dark night

when the stars were shining bright

that baby Jesus was born.

His crib was a manger loaned.

Borrowed from animals so kind

that they had used to eat and dine.

Meanwhile shepherds around the firelight

keeping watch over their sheep that cold, dark night

saw an angel appear in bright light.

They were afraid when they saw that sight.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said,

I'm bringing tidings of joy instead.

“Today your Savior has been born.

His name is Jesus Christ the Lord."

Go find the baby in a manger.

Shepherds, go now, don't be a stranger.

Then many more angels appeared praising God.

Singing, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Which means “Glory to God in the Highest.”

For with God you will find peace, joy, and rest.

After the angels returned to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, “Men,

let us go and see what the angel told us,”

for they knew in his words they could surely trust.

The shepherds did not wait, with much haste they hurried.

Just as the angel said, they found baby Jesus.

They told others what they had seen and heard

and today that news is passed down to us.

The shepherds were witnesses to God's good news.

Good news now available to me and you.

Wise men had heard about a new king's birth.

They began their search for Him on the earth.

Herod, the king, didn't like this new news borne

and asked, “Where was this new King to be born?”

His council advised, “Bethlehem, for certain,

according to what the prophet had written.”

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to find the child.

Atop of humped camels they rode mile after mile.

A bright star appeared and guided them on their way

until it stopped over the place where Jesus stayed.

When the wise men saw the star in the sky, they rejoiced -

with exceedingly great joy. They were overjoyed.

They found the young child-King with Mary, His mother,

and at once fell down to worship Him, Jesus, the Savior.

Gifts were given to the young King.

Treasures that the wise men did bring.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh were presented to the Lord.

Causing us to ask, “What can I bring Him, my God and Lord?”

“What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven,

when I come to worship Him?” Micah (6:6) had spoken.

A question at Christmas to ask ourselves: “What can I bring?

What would He desire from me, He who has everything?”

My daily surrender to God to transform me

into His image – for my good and His glory.

* * * * *

Everyday is Christmas in our heart

when Jesus Christ is a part

of our daily thoughts,

actions, and words.

Or as Micah states: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Three acts of obedience that will magnify

Christ as Lord of your life; displaying Christmas in your heart

each day of the year. Let's keep Christmas' joy and peace in our hearts.

With what shall I come before the Lord

and bow down before the exalted God?...

He has showed me, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6, 8

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17

An upright man gives thought to his ways.

Proverbs 21:29

Each one should test his own actions.

Galatians 6:4

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

May the words of my mouth

and the mediation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Stable

STABLE

Sawn from rough-hewn wood

to house cattle it would

one starry night host a guest

that the world could never guess.

Did the innkeeper realize

or was he in for a surprise?

This stable in which donkeys and cows

daily sought shelter and bedded down

was loaned to God one wondrous night

to Joseph and Mary, his wife.

Did the cattle realize

or were they in for a surprise?

This lowly stable though crudely made

is where the shepherds found Jesus laid

in a manger box -

the cattle's feeding trough.

Did the manger realize

or was it in for a surprise?

You see, the world expected a King

born in pomp and circumstance to bring

salvation to the world,

not Jesus Christ the Lord

born in a humble stable

shared with barnyard animals.

His birth, quite remarkable,

with wonder filled that stable,

was rejected by the curious

and even made others furious.

So many curious never realized

and would be in for a bigger surprise.

Messiah was born that night

in a stable filled with delight

for when the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn

they found their Savior

who would bring favor.

They were in for a surprise

and that wonder and surprise

became their bold testimony

still today making history

as they went and told

so the whole world would know.

* * * * *

That little unpretentious stable by the inn

housed the One who provides stability within.

Good news! With God in you

your life is stable too

for God will remain steadfast

despite whatever comes to pass.

God can use the mundane

to bring praise to His name.

Never think God can't use you

for your life has worth and value.

God has for you a unique plan and purpose

and He's preparing you for the Master's use.

Sometimes God uses the pain of humbling

to prepare you for good that's someday coming.

Learn to ask "what is God teaching me."

Seeking God will provide stability.

It takes faith to realize.

You'll be in for a surprise!

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Immanuel

IMMANUEL

Composed 12/4/11

In the Old Testament God showed himself to his people,

sometimes in a cloud, sometimes through visitations from angels.

When the Israelites wandered 40 years in the wilderness

God presided over them, leading, guiding through every test.

But the sinful nature causes one to rebel

and ignoring God's directives causes trouble.

History is shown to repeat this cause and effect

of either praying for help - or of willful neglect.

So God's blessed people chose to follow their own, selfish will

only to be led on a continual spiral downhill.

Will humanity ever learn

that God is waiting for their return?

Later a promise was made to Isaiah, fortunately,

for it seemed like there was no hope for humanity.

This promise was the coming of Immanuel

though hundreds of years before His coming would befall.

Years pass. The New Testament begins

with a reminder of this promise again.

An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary would have a son.

He should be named Immanuel. God's solution for the world had come!

Today we commemorate this first Christmas

with celebrations and decorations in mass

often forgetting the reason

we celebrate this season.

We forget that God's solution

to the world's many problems

came that night as "God with us" or Immanuel

when Jesus comes into our heart to dwell.

"God with us" replaces the restlessness,

the searching to fill the emptiness,

to fill the void, to make us complete.

“God with us” is what our soul seeks.

* * * * *

December – a month of fa, la, la, la, la.

Of festive gatherings of those near and far.

With twinkling lights and decorated trees.

Of gifts that delight you and me.

Then suddenly Christmas is over

without a thought of whatever

is the reason

for the season.

Matthew records why Jesus came.

The reason is found in His names.

Jesus means the Lord saves.

Christmas Day that way was paved.

As promised long ago,

the name Immanuel

means God with us

when we simply trust.

His name Messiah means The Christ,

the Anointed One, despite the price

that would be paid on Calvary's tree

where Jesus died for you and me.

Died to save us from our sins

when we believe in Him.

So that's what Christmas is all about -

when the birth of Jesus came about.

God's Christmas gift to us

is His beloved son Jesus.

So this year when Christmas is over and done

can you say you made room for God's Son?

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud

to guide them on their way

and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light.

Exodus 13:21

The Lord will go before you,

the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 52:12

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel – which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

Countdown

COUNTDOWN

The countdown to another Christmas begins

with many decorations displayed within

and festive lights outside

announcing the yuletide.

The Christmas tree is decorated

with special ornaments collected

year after year

from far and near.

There's Christmas cards to again write

occupying many a night

as friends and family are remembered

each year in the month of December.

Christmas songs are heard on the radio

about reindeer and Santa Claus – ho, ho, ho!

You'll hear Christmas trees sung about

and songs about "you'd better not pout."

Presents are wrapped

in festive gift wrap

to be given to someone

before January comes.

Christmas cookies are baked

or maybe a yuletide cake

to share with loved ones.

Have another one.

Christmas parties are planned

for men, women, and children

or maybe a Christmas play

as parents mouth the words to say.

Maybe an impromptu choir

will sing carols that will inspire

as they walk from door to door

as snowflakes quietly soar.

"Over the river and through the woods"

much laughter is heard in neighborhoods

as families gather together again

when Christmastime comes around again.

Amidst much hurry and scurry

Christmas is over in a hurry.

The countdown to Christmas is over then the year comes to a close.

What happened to the "reason for the season," do you suppose?

* * * * *

When the countdown to Christmas begins,

please take time to read the story about the inn

where the innkeeper said "there's no room"

one night under the midnight moon...

though he did offer his stable

in the midst of the rabble

of the census being taken

in the town of Bethlehem.

Expectant

parents

Mary and Joseph were relieved

when this invitation was received...

for any minute Mary would deliver

a baby boy, to be named Jesus, the Savior,

who would save us from our sins

when we ask Him to dwell within.

So there in the stable one night

under the stars shining bright

this baby was born that would change the world

becoming the greatest story ever told.

At the same time this announcement

was made by angels who were sent

from heaven above

with a story of love...

to shepherds that first Christmas night,

though they were terrified with fright,

to see the glory of the Lord shine round

as they fell to their knees there on the ground.

The shepherds then hurried to Bethlehem to see

this miracle which was too amazing to believe

and there they found Jesus Christ the Lord, a baby,

just as the angel said, in a manger lying, so wee.

This baby who was promised

longed ago by the prophets

would one day be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – to guide us on the path we trod.

It seems God chose the shepherds

to be His "good news" heralds

for they told everyone

that the Savior had come.

This "good news" passed down through generations

celebrated by men, women, and children

each December 25^th

now known to us as Christmas.

On the countdown to Christmas did you take a few minutes to read

this story in Matthew and Luke which established our nation's creed?

Please don't leave Christ out of your Christmas.

You'll find with Christ in your life, you'll be blessed.

And he will be called

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Names

NAMES

Take time to read the story of Jesus' birth

which you'll find in Matthew and in Luke.

Take note of the names used to describe

this one of whom was prophesied.

You'll find God's one and only beloved Son has many names.

The New Testament tells us that the holy child will be named:

the Lord saves or "Jesus"

and "Immanuel," meaning God with us.

The wise men called Him

the "king of the Jews" when they sought Him.

The angel referred to Him as "the Son of the Most High"

when Mary was told she was the one chosen from on high.

The angel also called Him the "Son of God"

when Mary learned of her destiny from God.

The angel told the shepherds He would be known as "Savior"

as He was sent to earth as our needed deliverer.

The title of "Christ " or the Anointed One

was another name for His earthly mission.

The name "Christ the Lord" gives Him reign

over the universe supreme.

Isaiah in the Old Testament speaks of this child-to-come by other names.

Contemplate the awesome characteristics of God's Son as described in these names.

In part, these names demonstrate that God is approachable, sustainable, available, peaceable,

and the ups and downs of everyday life attest that He is undeniably able.

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

As "Wonderful Counselor," God is approachable,

assuring us that our concerns are manageable.

As "Mighty God" He will sustain us

no matter what may come to pass.

Our "Everlasting Father" is always available

as through prayer He is accessible and attainable.

The "Prince of Peace" tells us He is peaceable

as recorded over and again in the Bible.

* * * * *

Whatever you call this King

He will be your everything

when to Him you continually bring

in daily heart-felt prayer offering

your big and little concerns, unconfessed sins,

your gratitude and attitude within.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about...

Matthew 1:18

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel -

which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

Where is the one who has been born

king of the Jews?

Matthew 2:2

You will be with child and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

He will be great and will be called

The Son of the Most High.

Luke 1:31-32

So the holy one to be born

will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

There are many more names attributed to God's Son.

Sometime take time to make an ABC... list. It'll be fun.

A = Almighty, B = Bread of Life, C = Comforter

D = Deliverer, E = Eternal, F = Friend, and more...

Signs of the Season

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

December comes but once a year we know.

Christmas soon comes and then it goes.

Twinkling lights everywhere all aglow

underneath white new fallen snow.

Snowflakes falling from a darkened sky

delight little children who now lie

in the new snow making snow angels

or Frosty the snowman in the dell.

Christmas carols heard around the town

will turn someone's sad frown upside down.

Trees are decorated everywhere

inside and outside lights they now wear.

Children are on their best behavior.

Holiday foods prepared and savored.

Cookies decorated with colored frostings

and there's red and white candy canes for licking.

Gifts exchanged by friends and family.

Loved ones we make an effort to see.

Pleasant memories often brought to mind

this Christmas season time after time.

Nativity's displayed on tables.

Mary and Joseph in the stable.

The Christ-child born this night long ago

is why we celebrate Christmas, you know.

Let's not forget God's gift to us this day

rather we're at home or far away.

God sent His Son born as a baby.

God's precious gift to you and to me.

Merry Christmas to each one of you

and blessings to last the whole year through.

Until next year when we meet again:

from my heart, peace with joy I send.

(May be sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”)

Remember

REMEMBER

December is a time to remember

when it’s snowing and the temperature is burr,

when it's too cold and you prefer to stay indoors,

when snow plows in the night roar,

when a Christmas tree is cut down – timber,

when you catch cold and there’s no short cure,

when chowders satisfy your hunger,

when there are several last-minute trips to the store,

when toys and merchandise are advertised to lure,

when cards are addressed to those familiar,

when gifts are exchanged with neighbors,

when Christmas music begins in November,

when there’s a wreath hung upon the door,

when cookies are baked and shared once more...

December is a time to remember

that this month there is something much more -

Jesus is the reason

for this festive season

so when there’s a ton

of work to be done

and amidst all the fun

with parties among

this merry season -

don’t forget God’s Son.

Without Jesus Christ there would be none

of this celebrating going on.

So do enjoy and share this season’s

merriment but remember the reason

we observe every Christmas season.

When you set up the nativity

remember Jesus was God’s gift to you and me

This gift came as a baby wee

and filled human hearts with much glee.

When you put up your decorated Christmas tree

do be mindful of the cross of Calvary

when one day you prayed a sinner’s heartfelt plea

and now you’ll live with God for eternity.

When you sing carols, even off-key,

the Lord will hear and be pleased

to hear you sing with a heart filled with glory

as you remember the first Christmas story.

Remember

December.