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Both God and Man Portrayed By Brenda Drake

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            What a wonderful gift bestowed upon us the day Jesus was born, no wonder the angels sang. But the price He paid for our salvation was so terrible the earth shook and the heavens wept.  I am at awe of such love, and such amazing grace.  How can a saved heart not sing?

Both God and Man Portrayed

The baby that in the manger lay,
Was God and man on display.
His tiny feet would one day grow,
To be nailed to a cross to save man’s soul.
The Holy Promise was by the angels proclaimed.
At His death curses spat out His name.
As babe He was wrapped lovingly up tight as He slept.
At death hate tore His naked body with sores that wept.
Wise men visited the young child as King;
Pouring out worship and costly offerings.
The wise of the world His possessions tore away;
Casting lots they unwisely spurned The Way.
The star led the shepherds on the Holy night of birth.
At His death angels were silent and grief shook the earth.
The Holy child’s cries were attended to with care each day.
Only heartbreak was in attendance when alone He sins-debt paid.
Jesus’ birth the truly wise celebrate remembering the whole story.
As they rejoice in God’s gift they indeed give God all the glory,

John 1:9-14
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Spirit of Christmas By Brenda Drake

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            There is a lot more to Christmas than getting and receiving presents.  I believe it is a holy time to give praise to God, to marvel the miracle of a virgin birth, to remember why Jesus came to earth, and to acknowledge all the blessings we have received. 

The Spirit of Christmas

Gathered around the tree on Christmas morn,
To celebrate Christ on earth was born.
Gifts are shared far and wide across the lands.
But what we really need to understand;
Jesus is the greatest gift offered on a tree,
He is the eternal-gift the wise will receive.
Songs of good cheer are shared by some.
And melodies of praise lift to glorify God’s Son.
The lights of wonder in children’s eyes are a delight to behold;
As the true meaning of Christmas-time is retold.
In wonder the innocent delight in the manger-birth;
With hearts open they believe God came to earth.
Gathered lovingly together many God’s great love perceives.
Then the Spirit of Christmas is by them received.

Psalms 92:1-4
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

Forgotten Gifts By Brenda Drake

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            This the time of year when we search for gifts to show our love and appreciation for those on our shopping list.  With a world that is seemingly a little off kilter and for many financially tight, perhaps we need to get back to some homemade gifts, and quality time spent enjoying the real reason for our giving on this special day of the year. 

Forgotten Gifts

The gifts most appreciated – the ones that you most need,
Are not forgotten when received.
But these same gifts you may forget to give away,
Like a kind deed and loving words you say.
Another forgotten gift is respect,
When offered to others… their spirit lifts.
You will discover these things truly bless your life
For thoughtful deeds portray the love of Christ.
At Christmastime people scurry to find the perfect gift;
They spend time and money to find and purchase it.
But the things their loved one desires and needs most of all;
Sometimes is one of the forgotten gifts that by the wayside fall.
The elderly may desire extra attention; with old memories refreshed.
Teenagers hunger for some much needed respect.
Babies want to play games on the floor.
Young adults want what their parents rarely do anymore;
Just a hug or a peck on the cheek,
An encouraging word, some emotional strength.
These forgotten gifts are a year-round presents you can give,
That also proves Jesus lives.
These things are not expensive but they are not free;
For it takes a spirit that is sensitive and will from God receive.
He will remind you of overlooked gifts to touch another within,
With the love of Jesus that always these special gifts sends!

II Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

What a Night By Brenda Drake

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I have great wonder and respect for the Christmas story.  Being a woman, I wonder at the fact Mary’s great honor and responsibility to give birth and to raise the Son of God.  Like the song we love to sing, we wonder, Mary did you know this baby would become your personal Savior?  Did you know He made the earth you were teaching Him to walk on?  What a wonderful story, what a wonderful love story!

What a Night 

What a night; like no other,
The holy child in the arms of His mother.
God was wrapped up tight,
As the stars He made shined bright.
The heavens watched and angels burst into song.
The frail, tiny baby would right what was wrong.
Within Mary’s heart the promised truth lay;
She gazed into the eyes of God on that day.
Holy, pure majesty placed in her care,
To one day His life-purpose to with the world share.
Holy and precious baby to a virgin born,
Her great joy would one day from her heart be torn.
On another night like no other before,
Her Son became her Savior and Lord.
We too can know and the truth believe,
Because He is Truth and Life new birth we receive.
He lived to die so we are set free,
To rise up as He did to victory.
As we give gifts and celebrate Jesus’ birth,
Keep in mind He is the Father’s gift sent to earth.

Matthew 2:1-2
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Christmas Story Miracle By Brenda Drake

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Engraving style illustration of The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus with angels hovering in the background.

            As a child there were times of joy at the prospect of Christmas day.  But later in life, after I learned the real reason for the season there is a different, deeper, kind of joy.  Now I am able to appreciate how far Jesus traveled to become mortal so He could pay our debt for our sin. Because of what He did we are now able to spend eternity with Him.

Christmas Story Miracle

At the first sound of the baby’s cry,
The earth heard the sound of the Father’s sigh.
The holy offering in a manger lay,
The love of God was on display.
The heavens rejoice and the angels did too.
The great plan set in motion to a greater work do.
Creation whispered at such a thing;
The earth now clothed the Creator-King.
God yet man made of clay.
Great is the mystery portrayed.
Love has come to rescue and to save the lost,
To live to die on a rugged cross.
Angels in wonder in awe stand,
As they remember the day we celebrate across the land.
Holy, holy, holy child of God born,
To restore and make whole all that was sin-torn.
Holy, holy, holy remembrance celebrated each year;
To many it brings great joy and is held most dear.
But to some the lights and joyful sounds are pushed aside;
And  again the miracle of the Christmas story is hidden from their eyes.

Luke 2:10-14
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.

The Star By Brenda Drake

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            The wise men saw the star that led them to the One born that made the stars.  Isn’t is an amazing thought the Creator of man, earth, stars, and all beyond loved us so much He came to earth  as a babe born in a lowly manger?  To later die in our place on a cross to save those who would accept His provision for their soul? Indeed the wise still see the sign of the times in our day for His return.

The Star

The star’s appearance caused great joy,
In a 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 one.”
His joy is a gift presented at each days start,
So 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
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Christ in Christmas Kept Alive By Brenda Drake

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Christmas-time is almost everyone’s favorite time of year; but there are many that truly are sad and unhappy at the prospect of our approaching holiday.  We tend to get caught up with our preconceived ideas of what our opinion Christmas-time is.  To many it is mostly a special opportunity to get together with those we love.  To others it is a day to give and receive gifts. To many Christmas means parties: socializing with friends, family, or those we work with. The definition of Christmas means food, fun, love, and giving.  Yet Christmas-time ushers in a sort of depression for some, with an intense missing of someone that is no longer around and it is handled by pushing the importance of the Christmas holiday aside. Christmastime can be and is all stated above and more.  Christmas is a time of remembering.   A holy reminder of a miraculous birth that was a gift bestowed upon us from our Father in heaven.  A gift that was provision sent for us to be able to spend eternity with a God of such love.  It will take eternity to understand how low He had to go to help us reach as high as He desires us to go.

Christ in Christmas Kept Alive

Bright lighted trees line the streets with good cheer,
Signs of good tidings with festive music for the ears.
Both child and adult can clearly see,
That the joy of Christmas-day is fast approaching.
There are songs about Santa, reindeer and sleds in the snow,
And some lively tunes of the joys of mistletoe.
You may hear every once and awhile,
The Christmas story of the virgin mother and child.
You may see an image of babe in a manger- frozen in time past,
To remind of Christmas’ real reason as you in wonder look back.
Sweet little children will only learn of the Holy virgin birth,
And about the Savior that left heaven to be born on earth;
From caring parents and others that faithfully of Christ testify.
Christmas-times real reason is only then kept alive!

Deuteronomy 6:7
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Thanksgiving Begins My Christmas Season By Brenda Drake

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I do enjoy this time of year even now when my children and grandchildren are all grown and on their own. I have to admit I do not enjoy the extra pounds accumulated in its small space of time though!

Thanksgiving Begins My Christmas Season

Thanksgiving to me begins the Christmas Season.
On Thanksgiving we count blessings and Christmas states the reason.
The Christmas story is rejected to some as myth;
But on the day that celebrates Christ’s birth …they give and receive gifts.
Even when the manger scene is not allowed;
The day off for Christmas is expected anyhow.
Even the calendar we watch is measured,
After the birth of Heaven’s Treasure.
We search under the tree for our Christmas gifts,
But on a tree the Lover of our soul was sacrificed for our benefit.
We examine the faces of those we love to see,
If at our gift-offering they are pleased;
When we have spent much money and time.
To the perfect gift to find.
But the One who’s birth is celebrated across the land.
Great sacrifice is barely acknowledged for many do not understand:
He is the One that gives us even the gift of life;
That our every breath is by Him supplied.
He supplies strength as He calls our name,
He helps us overcome our every trial and pain.
Oh how hearts sing when opened up wide to see.
Then thankful hearts the true Christmas Spirit receives.       

Psalms 100:1-4
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Gift Ideas By Brenda Drake

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            I love to give gifts but it seems we now expect 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;
God of hope, promise, and giver of new life.
Jesus is the gift of the Father sent from above,
To deliver salvation to prove and assure of His love.
Jesus gave His 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 Holy Spirit for 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 demonstrates you are by God’s Spirit led.
With Christ in mind your gift will not be forgotten or cause for disgrace.
They are gifts that remain; that 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;

Let Us Truly be Thankful By Brenda Drake

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          The threats of the world cause us a certain dread of the future of our world. If we are not careful we get caught up in its turmoil and worry and fear takes root in our heart. When we lose our peace and joy we begin to grumble and complain and become discontented with our life. If we are wise we will remember God is in control and we have so much to be thankful for.  

Let Us Truly be Thankful

The truly thankful gives back
To help in another’s lack.
With all their heart they desire to serve,
With such an attitude they obey God’s Word.
Gratitude for salvation is an eternal joy that delights.
The thankful one’s countenance shines bright
Each day’s gift purpose is to glorify Christ.
They know no matter what comes they are clearly in His sight.
Tomorrow’s promise causes contentment in today.
The world and its threats are chased away,
Faith, hope, and love are necessary tools,
Prayer, praise, and worship are what most desire to use.
Thankfulness creates a place where peace can reign.
In God’s presence thankful hearts seek to remain.
Everything is provided by the Lover of our soul.;
We dishonor His goodness when we are not thankful.

Psalms 92:1-2
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord,
and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning,
and thy faithfulness every night,