Tag Christmas celebrations

When Christmas-time Hurts By Brenda Drake

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   This is truly a wonderful time of year; even strangers seem to have ready smiles and greetings of good cheer.  In our excitement and bustle we forget Christmas time is lonely for many around us; life-situations have caused hurts and heartaches that has stolen the beauty of their holiday. Lord, help us to be aware of the feelings of others and remind us to lift their spirits by our prayers, love, and concern.

When Christmas Time Hurts

When Christmas-time hurts and joy has fled far away,
And there is no magic left in this once-special day.
All the sweet songs that once cheered now causes sadness within.
Oh how you would love to find pleasure in them again.
The hurting heart remembers sadly its personal loss,
And refuses to be cheered so their mind is cross.
Held in a prison unable to look outside to see,
The gift of the Christmas story that sets them free.
When Christmas-time hurts there is remedy to heal;
Its power is sure, its touch is real.
Find another person that has a heart that is down,
Do something, anything that removes their frown.
Find a little child that has lack,
Provide for them and your joy comes back.
Get your mind in things good, right, pure and true;
Set yourself to motion to the good thing do.
Bring your aching heart to the Father for His healing touch.
Renew your faith as you to Him entrust;
All the hurts, pains of this time of year,
Little by little the sweet joy and peace of Christmas reappears.

Luke 2:13-14
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.

No Tree, No Lights By Brenda Drake

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            We look forward to the Christmas season, with opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord and our Savior.  But we need to be aware that many are in great need and indeed have sorrow at this time of year.  Some choose not to put up a lighted tree, but some have no choice, they just cannot.

No Tree, No Lights
By Brenda Drake

No tree, no lights, no inner peace.
No love, no joy, but much in need.
The world passes by unaware,
But if they do see many do not care.
Tents are a popular gift received by some.
But it is a great need to some.
New bedding, new clothes, and new shoes to wear;
Add to their collection with little room to spare.
There are those who have desire for them too.
To some their greatest gift would be a pair of shoes.
They are the forgotten ones in a world that sparkles and shines.
They are those who cry at Christmas-time.
Jesus was born in a stable, and lie on a bed of hay.
He was even before He was born turned away.
The humble of heart heard the Angels sing;
The heavens were aware of the new-born King.
The star shined its light on the One to be nailed to the tree.
The wise men offered gifts and worshiped the One who would set them free.
Mary marveled at the beauty of God’s gift at her breast.
Surely the world would One day celebrate God’s gift.
There are many that celebrate with hearts in tune with God’s Son;
In thanks and praise they rejoice at all He has done.
But, many forget the reason
They are celebrating the Christmas season.
As you remember the birth of Jesus and give gifts to one another.
Just as The True Gift reached out to you, you should care for your brother.

1Timothy 6:18-19
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

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.”

In His Hands By Brenda Drake

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  • America the Beautiful

In His Hands By Brenda Drake

I woke up in the middle of the night with a song in my heart
It was a good way for my day to start.
It was a song we sang in school long ago.
It was not about Santa or sleigh rides or mistletoe.
It was not really a song normally heard at Christmastime.
But it seems very relevant in our trying times.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country love and mercy more than life!
As the words took root deep within I marveled at its prayer request.
America the beautiful… at this time in His love rest.
Place your future in His hands just as long our forefathers long ago;
Then sing your songs of salvation, Christ’s birth and mistletoe.

Christmas Miracle By Brenda Drake

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Jesus is the worlds greatest gift. His birth is the most miraculous birth; His death the most important and most costly death. His resurrection is our greatest hope. The truth of His provision by the work on the cross to the seeking, believing heart is the gift of a new reborn life; eternally made one with the One whos birth we now celebrate. He that came to earth as a babe, born of a virgin, suffered and died for our sins; now waits for the perfect time to return to gather us as His bride.

Christmas Miracle

 The birth of Jesus is the greatest miracle ever foretold.
The young mother in her arms the Creator would hold.
The earth that was formed by His hand;
Would feel the footsteps of the Son of man.
His appearance caused the star to shine its light.
The angels rejoiced at the entrance of the Christ.
Mankind celebrates by offering gifts to one another.
Songs of joy and goodwill are by many discovered.
But so many do not truly perceive the miracle of love at work;
Or the miracle of His life on the earth.
Many do not experience the gift bestowed upon them,
For He gives all the chance to be reborn in Him.
To truly appreciate the Christmas story,
His birth should be celebrated in two ways to give Him glory.
One of course is the way most can see;
When, in a stable the virgin God’s great gift received.
But the most important Christmas miracle is when He is born within you.
Then and only then will you hold the Creator too.

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Celebrate in Ways Right By Brenda Drake

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            Many have stated that in the difficulties of this year, with all the turmoil and uncertainties they have little or no Christmas spirit.  But I think God is more glorified by the small but significant things that we do in remembrance of His birth, life, death, and resurrection than in the superficial gifts we pass out to others. There are times our simple loving gestures are greater gifts than things of monetary value.

Celebrate in Ways Right

Even though money may be tight,
Celebrate Christ’s Birth the way that is right.
You can to Church go,
To rededicate or offer God your heart and soul.
You can celebrate Christ’s birth and make,
Jesus, on this day a birthday cake.
You can diligently look for,
Someone to bless in the name of the Lord.
Make some candy or cookies to give to neighbors and friends;
To demonstrate some Christmas-cheer to them.
Share the story of Jesus once again to old and young,
Take out the board games to have some fun.
Instead of thinking of all you wish you were able to do,
Count the many blessings God bestows upon you.
Open your eyes to see the sparkle in another’s eye,
Purpose your heart and lips to praise the Lord on high.
Resolve your feet to walk the straight narrow way,
To demonstrate to love ones how “to on the right path stay.”
Reach out your arms to gather close the ones you love;
Then your Christmas holiday will honor God above.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

A Tiny Little Tree By Brenda Drake

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  • Precious memories

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 Precious Gift of Time By Brenda Drake

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  • SPEND TIME IN PRAYER AND IN DEED

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

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  • Most magnificent Gift

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.

Remember Who it is We are Remembering By Brenda Drake

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  • Remember

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.