Do you remember a Christmas that was extra special, one that had extra meaning? I remember one such Christmas, the year of 1969. My dad worked for himself and we were on a limited income. We were kind of poor, although I never knew it. We always had our needs met, but this one Christmas there were to be no presents due to limited funds. However, we decided that it could still be a special Christmas. Our family and my Aunt’s family always got together. This year each person was to choose something special to do. Below is a little poem that I shared. I especially remember my cousin sharing the story of God’s Trees. Have you ever heard it? Oh, how it touched my heart. It is about three trees who wanted their dreams fulfilled.
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The first tree desired to be a treasure box and ends up as a mere feeding trough. (the manger where Jesus was laid)
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The second desired to be a strong sailing ship, and ultimately becomes a small fishing boat, carrying stinking fish. (the boat Jesus preached from)
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The third who wanted to remain planted and point Heavenward, as the tallest tree in the forest, is made into lumber that is fashioned into a cross. (the cross of Jesus Christ that points men to God for it is through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross that men are saved)
What appears to be unanswered dreams really are fulfilled with Jesus Christ.
You know we can have Christmas in our hearts every day if we know Christ.
Christmas
I’ve often pondered the thought
What does Christmas meant to me?
But I’ve never set right down
To think this out you see.
So for a minute right now
As I continue to go on
Think some on this thought
Before all the moments are gone.
What is Christmas? Let’s look back
to over thousands of years ago
Did they have Christmas then?
Well, yes, I guess you could say so.
Christmas to them was looking ahead
To that grand and glorious day
When God would fulfill His promise
And send His Son Jesus this way.
Unfortunately, there were those
Who said it can’t be true
There is no God, they always cried
Christ, the King, will never come to you.
Then before anyone knew
That day had finally arrived
Christ Jesus the Lord was born
And very few even realized
But to those who were aware
Of this glorious and wonderful event
They gave their hearts to Jesus
The best gift God had sent.
There was great rejoicing over this good news
And our first missionaries were to be
For the shepherds would not hold this secret
They spread it quickly to all they could see.
Sadly, during Christ’s reign on earth
Many still cried, it’s not true
This is not right, He is not the king
Why even His own people cried this, the Jew.
What about today?
What is Christmas now?
This story has not grown old has it?
Of Jesus, born of Mary so low?
No! I should say not!
But to many it is not the same
For many celebrate Christmas
As if life were only a game.
For some Christmas is out of work
A vacation, and nothing to do
To others it is cocktails, dancing, and parties
Just eat, drink be merry, tis true.
And even to others it is
How much can I get?
If I get all on my list to Santa
I’ll surely be happy and set.
Of course, we have those with religion
Set up the manger scene they say
After all it is Jesus’ birthday
So we must celebrate it today.
Sure, they have this head knowledge
But really, what is its’ good?
For a day will come for each of them
When their works are burned as wood.
Unhappily, we still have some Scrooges
Who still say, bah humbug, such nonsense
There is no Christmas. There is no God
Why none of this even makes sense.
Oh, but to the Christian
To One who knows God in a personal way
Christmas is many wonderful things
Not just now, but every day.
It is friends and family, and loved ones
Together because of love’s tie
It is fellowship, singing, and joyfulness
It is something that money can’t buy
But more than anything else
It is the story that never grows old
Of Jesus the King, sent to all who believe
So that we may enter His fold
It is telling others of Jesus
Who loved them enough to die
It is living our lives by God’s Word
To show them that God cannot lie
Not just December 25th each year
But the other 364 days too
He is a friend on who we can depend
The greatest gift to me and you.
To sum up my friend
Christmas is this and more
For Jesus is not only King
He’s the Way to Heaven, the only Door.
On and On we could go
Of what Christmas is, we could say plenty
But a good way to see the real Christmas
Is to look at God’s Word, Luke 2;1-20
~by E.A. Christmas 1969
Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 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. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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