Life is a Garden Party

Saturday, December 15, 2018

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 25th
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


No comments:

Post a Comment