CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

 Recollections from my childhood:

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Gingerbread cookies and bread baking,

venison soup in a big pot stirring.

Mom's busy in the kitchen.

Later these goodies we'd be sharing.

Everyone piles into the car

to deliver Christmas cheer – not far,

to those who lived alone.

People now long gone.

A quart jar of soup, a loaf of bread,

a plate of cookies – someone it fed.

But there was a bigger gift -

for someone's spirits would lift.

To have company unexpectedly

for those alone was somewhat heavenly.

There was a twinkle in their eye.

They were sad to say goodbye.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

Dad quoted "T'was the Night Before Christmas."

He also said "Bah, Humbug," I must confess.

Two stories that must have had meaning

from childhood days each year gleaning.

Dad usually was up all night plowing snow

for on Christmas Day people had places to go.

No moss grew under his feet -

nor snow, nor ice, nor sleet.

Not one to be materialistic,

but one to share wherever he saw fit.

Making memories for others

for it never seemed to be a bother.

Sharing was Dad's year-round motto.

Sometimes it was a sack of potatoes.

Perhaps Christmas comes everyday

if one takes time to share today.

...Still makes a memory sweet.

Christmas memories can't be beat.

* * * * *

I pray your childhood memories are sweet,

not just with holiday food prepared to eat,

but with joyous celebrations

filled with heartfelt adoration.

The Old Testament records many feasts and festivals, with gladness,

the Israelites celebrated to commemorate God’s goodness.

May our Christmas celebrations

be a time of adoration -

to remember the first Christmas,

not the one celebrating St. Nicholas,

but the one honoring Jesus – the reason

for this joyous Christmas season.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Do good, be rich in good deeds,

be generous and willing to share.

I Timothy 6:18

Do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.

Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread...

Celebrate the Feast of Harvest...

Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering...

Exodus 23:14-16

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

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