Month: December 2015

Last week Bob (dressed in Santa attire) and I (like Mrs. Santa) gathered up three of our grandchildren, who wore elf hats, and visited an assisted living center. Our 10-year old grand daughter, Parleigh, wrote a poem for the occasion. I was most impressed, and have chosen it for our poem this week:

Decorations, feel cheer,
Christmas time is finally here.
Christmas wreath, mistletoe,
Star on top, lots of snow.
Ornaments and evergreen,
Polish angels ’til they’re clean.
Snowman, cookies, flying reindeer,
Santa, sleigh bells, stockings cheer.
Garland, presents, family & friend.
Never let your happiness end.

Presents and stockings are okay,
But what about the manger filled with hay?
On a silent, chilly night,
A child born, filled with light.
A manger for the Lord of Earth,
Who blessed the world with his birth.

Some shepherds, wise men (far, not near),
Came to see and feel and hear.
The star on the tree is the Christmas star,
The shepherds followed from afar.
Praise and follow Christ the Lord,
For kindness, love is his sword.
He sacrificed and died for us,
So must we sin and hate and cuss?
Enjoy your presents by the fire,
But remember Jesus and God are the ones you admire.

Many years ago, I rocked my 3-month old firstborn baby boy, and pondered the spirit I could see in his eyes. I was overcome with gratitude and awe, and penned this poem/song:

I know of a baby just as small as you,
Born in a country that the shepherds knew.
A host of angels sang a song to him.
Birds chirped praises and ox kept time.
Stars shone brightly on the night divine
For the little boy born in Bethlehem.

He was born that night for you and me,
So we could grow to perfect be,
and live in joy forever, together.

See the star high up on the Christmas tree,
Filling our hearts with a glow so heavenly.
The packages, tinsel and shiny bows
Remind us of the gifts so long ago,
Giv’n to the babe in the manger hay,
For the very first time on Christmas Day.

He was born that night for you and me
So we could grow to perfect be,
And live in joy forever, together.

And now as I rock my baby tenderly,
I see in his eyes a spark of divinity.
I think of the babe of Bethlehem
Born to crown his fellowmen
And set us free to sing in joy
In remembrance of Mary’s baby boy.

He was born that night for you and me
So we could grow to perfect be,
And live in joy forever, together.

I entitled this painting “Silent Night” in an attempt to visualize–“Silent Night, Holy Night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heav’nly hosts sing alleluia.”

This time of year, this holiday season, really is magical. There seems to be a warmth that comes from the heart and overtakes us. We are more charitable, kind, happy, tolerant, and grateful. There really is a spirit to Christmas that has nothing to do with shopping or gift giving. I believe it is the spirit of Christ that is generously poured out, and I do wish everyday could be like that.

When Christmas comes with winter’s snow,
Each family has it’s certain glow.
The children’s eyes shine like the star
Three wise men used to guide afar
In search of the young Prince of Earth,
Born to Mary of virgin birth.

If there were but one day to use,
And God gave me the right to choose,
I’m sure my choice would always be
The Lord’s birthday eternally.

For after Christmas Day is through
And spring creeps in with green and blue.
As Christmas Day fades into dust
And man makes room for mortal lust,
He turns back to his life of sin,,
Outside he smiles, but cries within.

If there were but one day to use,
And God gave me the right to choose,
I’m sure my choice would always be
The Lord’s birthday eternally.