Big Things Come in Small Packages By Brenda Drake

Christmas gifts are great fun.  I remember a time I was delivered a very large package but as I opened it up, inside was a smaller package, inside that was another and another, until it was a very small but greatly desired gift I did not really need.  Jesus the Creator of the Universe came wrapped in a tiny babe born to a virgin and lay in a straw lined manger. He was a most needed gift that now is my greatest desire.

Big Things Come in Small Packages

Big things come in small packages – it is true
I will give some examples to you.
Great commitment is represented; most agree,
By the tiny box, that accompanies the one upon his knee.
All heaven and earth testifies
Even the smallest truth will never be denied.
Take the example, of a tiny seed;
Within its little package lives the start of a tree.
An encouraging, spoken word, may become
A huge directional – change for someone.
Many packages are placed under Christmas trees,
They are expressions of love, and kindness to be received.
But, the Greatest Gift ever bestowed is Jesus Christ.
Upon a rugged tree your largest gift was sacrificed. 
In the little town of Bethlehem, a child was to a virgin born.
In this tiny, little bundle the Creator was formed.
He that made the earth and all off a far too,
Was in this little package; delivered from the Father, to you.
Remember Him in your giving, as you celebrate the birth of God’s Son
By planting small, seeds of faith in the hearts of both old and young.
Big is the God of all that is and is to be,
But, He dwells within all that are His, for all eternity.

2 Corinthians  9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Christmas Shoes By Brenda Drake

There are many at Christmastime that do not wish for things large or expensive but are hoping for and will be very thankful for a needed item such as a pair of shoes. The greatest gift I ever received was salvation.  It never gets old.  It is the gift I desire to share with everyone I meet.  Jesus is the gift the Father bestowed upon a sin-sick world. We will spend eternity singing praise for a gift such as this.

Christmas Shoes

Christmas shoes were delivered to the door,
With Santa’s name attached, but they were from the Lord.
They are not fancy or flimsily made in fact;
They are sturdily made to last.
They fit perfectly…oh how he now runs.
His heart is full, he feels free to join in on the fun.
This was a Christmas gift needed, not a toy to be thrown aside;
To yet another story bring alive.


The babe in the manger grew to be delivered to your heart’s door.
With the gift of salvation presented from the Lord.
It also was needed; not flimsy or to be thrown aside.
In His strength you are able to run free and alive.
If you have the sweet assurance that your feet are shod,
With the holy gospel-truth the provision of God,
Rejoice and give thanks for the gift of God’s Son.
If not, prepare yourself to receive your running shoes to come.

Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Hebrews 12:1-2
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

A Tiny Little Tree By Brenda Drake

Christmastime is a special time of year.  I pray that even in our trying times we will be touched by the Christmas Spirit.  Most have precious memories of Christmas past, but many truly have forgotten the real reason we celebrate.  Jesus was our most precious gift delivered to save us from the penalty of our sins… It is good to celebrate His birth even if it is now only represented by a tiny little tree.  

The Tiny Little Tree

Once was the days of youth, when you searched for the tree;
Trekking through the snow with vigor and glee;
Laughing at each other’s choices,
Until “The one” chosen was proclaimed in jubilant voices.
Out came the treasured ornaments from the past and some new,
A pretty angel or the star was placed on top too.
The dry fallen needles embedded in the cracks in the floor,
Were gladly endured to celebrate the birth of the Lord.
In later years came the tree that did not grow,
One that needed to be formed by a color code.
Beautiful still and still caused much pleasure;
Holding all you newest and oldest homemade treasures.
And now much later perhaps in your life,
The tree has shrunk down in your sight.
A tiny little tree that on a table sits;
But still your love and respect for Jesus represents.
With my tiny little tree, my heart memories abound;
As I reminiscence tramping in snowy ground.
And marvel at the change that has taken place within,
As I celebrate Christ’s birth watching palms blowing in the wind.

Luke 2:17-20
After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child,and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

The Star of Creation By Brenda Drake

I remember most always as a child a star was placed above our Christmas tree.  A few times I have positioned an angel there but somehow I prefer the star.  When Jesus was born the Wise-men saw His star in the night sky and followed it to worship the Light of the World.  The Creator of the stars became the world’s greatest citizen; and in my mind He is the Star of Creation

The Star of Creation

The star’s appearance caused great joy,
In the manger was born a baby boy.
The son of a carpenter He was trained,
The mystery of His conception within remained.
His purpose of appearing upon the mind;
Caused Mary to ponder many times.
The appearance of a star upon the tree,
Can a holy reminder be.
The Light of the world hung on a tree too.
He that is Light, Love and Life died for me and you.
When the tomb was closed up tight,
Evil believed they snuffed out the Light.
But He is alive! The tomb is empty and bare.
No matter how long you search He is not there.
Now the risen Savior says “Come,
When you believe, His life and yours is made as one.”
His joy is a gift presented at each days start,
The Star of Heaven rules within your heart.
Joyfully celebrate the birth of Christ
And rejoice that He is risen in your life.
There is much to look forward too for you see,
The Star of all creation soon returns for thee.

Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem,saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

The Precious Gift of Time By Brenda Drake

One holiday season when money was scarce, it ended being one of our best Christmas memories.  We spent quality time with those we loved; our homemade gifts were heartfelt love-offerings for one another.  I spent extra time making cookies and candies for our family, friends and neighbors with no thought of receiving a gift in return. 

The Precious Gift of Time

Sometimes all you have to give is just your time.
It is a precious gift and is hard to find.
Time is money they say;
So it is not easily given away.
The gift of prayer lifted some do not see.
But its benefit is gratefully received.
Time spent loving the neighbor next door,
Is a gift to them and also to the Lord.
Time’s gift is bestowed on you too.
It is a precious gift God shares with you.
When you offer your life to Christ,
It is a gift that causes the Father delight.
In the gift-giving season as you celebrate the birth of God’s Son,
Remember to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Whenever you have opportunity, take time to pray;
For leaders, for Country and those sad, to have a good day.
Sometimes all you have to give is your time.
But it is the best gift for it is preciously hard to find.

Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Gift Most Magnificent By Brenda Drake

Have you kind of lost the Christmas Spirit this year?  I know it has been a hard year with many ups and downs; but Christmastime is a most magic time of year.  Place all that is bothering you in Christ’s hands.  Allow Him to bring peace and joy to your celebrations with family and friends.

Most Magnificent Gift

The whole world observes the birth of Christ;
But not all welcome Him in their life.
They may decorate a tree
And place a star above to see,
But do not acknowledge Jesus died on a tree for them;
Some think the story of the wisemen was just a legend.
They pass out gifts extravagant and plain;
Without honoring the One most magnificent to the earth came.
He arrived as a precious gift wrapped in human skin.
He was holy and proclaimed King by those who beheld Him.
As the day approaches, that is set aside to bring God glory,
Watch for the profit that comes in the Christmas story.
You live in a trying time with small pleasures along the way.
But know, the babe celebrated, lived, died, and rose is alive and well today.
He sits at the Father’s side observing things great and small.
In the hearts of the wise, they know He sees it all.
Come and bow down at the feet of the One you adore;
Know, one day every knee will bow and declare Jesus is Lord.

Luke 2:10-11
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.

Philippians 2:10-11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gift Ideas By Brenda Drake

I love to give gifts but it seems we now expected to receive one in its place.  They are almost always measured by how much they cost. Their value should be also be measured by the scale of effort, well intentions, and just the joy of expressing affection for one another.

Gift Ideas

Gift giving at this time of year,
Shows love, respect or honor to someone dear.
All in celebration of the birth of Christ;
The God of hope, promise, and giver of new life.
Jesus is the gift of the Father sent from above,
To deliver salvation and to prove and assure of His love.
Jesus gave His own life to set captives free;
A gift to be remembered for all eternity.
He rose from grave and returned to the Father again;
To His love ones, another gift send.
He sends the Holy Spirit for our inward strength, joy and insight.
The Lover of Souls causes abundant delight.
As you remember the reason for the season; and keep Christ in mind;
There are some wonderful Christ inspired gift ideas to find.
Gifts of kindness; a service, or a loving word timely said,
That show you are by God’s Spirit led.
With Christ in mind your gift will not be forgotten or a cause for disgrace.
They are gifts that remain; and deliver a Christmas-time embrace.

Proverbs 18:16
A man’s gift maketh room for him,
and bringeth him before great men.

1Timothy 6:18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute,
willing to communicate;

Remember Who it is We are Remembering By Brenda Drake

There is so much going on in our world right now, with so many things on our minds. The holidays are quickly approaching but many rush about with little thought for; and even reject, the true purpose for the Christmas season.  This is a gentle reminder of the true reason for all our gift giving and merriment that lie ahead. We have much to be thankful for.  I am very thankful Jesus hears and answers our prayers.

Remember Who it is We are Remembering

Would you take some extra time out of your busy life,
To remember in the celebrations ahead to honor of the birth of Christ?
When you decorate and light up your Christmas tree,
Remember the Light of the world died on a tree to set us free.
When you wrap your gifts in brightly colored paper and bows,
Remember God our greatest gift was in flesh clothed.
When families meet together to each other bless,
You are delivering to God His birthday gifts.
Love, peace, and joy, and the moments taken to pray,
Are the most pleasurable gifts you give Him on this special day.
Remember who you are remembering; so when the day is done,
Your thanks and praise has honored the Father for the birth of Jesus His Son.

Psalms 77:11
I will remember the works of the Lord:
surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Thanks for the Little Things By Brenda Drake

Thanks for the Little Things

As I sit in my favorite chair ready to praise the Lord,
I begin to think of all I am thankful for.
Some things quickly come to mind:
Like food, clothing, shelter and fun family times,
The simple things we take for granted each day,
Like the allotted time we take to pray,
The hot cup of coffee sweetened to taste,
The precious luxury of a warm, inviting place,
The fun times with family and friends,
And the meaningful, loving conversations with them,
For Church family that spreads across many miles,
And messages from God’s Word that causes hearts to smile.
As I write down my thoughts of all I’m thankful for,
I see countless blessings received from the Lord.
As I get ready for our big day planned,
 When our family partakes God’s provisions prepared by my hand;
A Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings….my diet is to be crashed
But also I am thankful God and my family loves me even if I’m fat!

Psalms 92:1
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praise
unto thy name, O most High:

I am Thankful By Brenda Drake

This is the time of year we remember our many blessings.  I will praise God for all He has done and all He is yet to do.  He is worthy of all thanks and praise.

I am Thankful

 I am thankful for freedom to worship the Lord above
And for His many provisions of love.
I am grateful for freedom and the freedom deep within.
I have so much to be thankful for, it is hard to know where to begin.
My family, friends, provisions of food to share,
Clothing and the countless blessings of life unaware.
Such as restoration of body, and peace of mind,
And so many more treasures left for us to find.
I am thankful God hears our prayer,
And that He is of all things fully aware.
I am thankful for the teachings of the Word true and right:
That, things are brought to light, and He our battle fights.
When we gather together with table laden with good things to share,
Remember with me to be thankful God answers prayer.
Pray with confidence and with heart humble and bowed low,
In faith believe our Country is in His merciful hold.
Look up with joy and step forth in faith to say,
Lord, Thy will be done: and then go on to enjoy your day.

Psalms 9:1-4
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
When mine enemies are turned back,
they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause;
thou satest in the throne judging right.