Tag Christmas gift

Love is Still Alive By Brenda Drake

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            Christmas-time is a special time of year.  I love the bright lights, the music, the smiles and happy greetings of Merry Christmas from strangers and friends alike. 

Love is Still Alive
By Brenda Drake

Shoe boxes are passed to underprivileged on Christmas day;
Little trinkets and small things in it arrayed.
To some seemingly so mundane; but not to them.
They oh and aw at all the things packed in.
Some have many boxes under the tree,
Packed with generous offerings from friends and family.
Although there is a moment of anticipation in each gift received;
Many times there are things we really do not need.
I find that although gift-giving is nice,
It matters not a gift is expensive in price.
It matters more who is gathered to celebrate,
With us on such a special day.
As you celebrate the Father’s gift in the birth of the Lord;
Real joy is when you personally are at peace with the One adored.
Christ means many things to many about,
But the real reason for the season the wise find out.
God is love.  He is our gift of life new.
He came to earth, born to a virgin, and died for us too,
He is the love and peace that flows inside.
As we joyfully give our gifts we prove Jesus’ love is still alive.

1 John 4:15-16
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Allowed to See God’s Face By Brenda Drake

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Allowed to see God’s
Face by Brenda Drake

Mother and child at her breast,
In a stable on a bed of hay rest.
Holy, royalty graced the place,
Where man was allowed to see God’s face.
The angels marveled over such a thing,
As the beheld the small babe, Prince, and King.
How could this be?
God placed in the care of humanity?
How could such a tiny package hold heaven’s breath?
How could He who was life experience death?
How could the world turn away from God’s greatest gift given?
How and why does man choose to stay lost and unforgiven?
The babe in the manger hay was made man,
To be judged and to before the Father stand.
Pure, holy, and set aside to be
The Lamb slain to set us free.
His birth, life, death and resurrection,
Have been studied and held under great inspection.
At His name all men will to their knee fall.
Some in worship and in thanks upon His name calls.
All will confess He is Lord;
Some with hearts out of tune and some in one accord.
The birth of Christ is celebrated and some eyes open to know,
The reason for the season is to illuminate Jesus is God’s gift to all men’s soul.

Colossians 1:13-15
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

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.

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.

Happy Birthday Jesus By Brenda Drake

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            Merry Christmas; to all our friends and family and Happy Birthday to Jesus. Thank you Father for the precious, holy gift You sent to our fallen world on that day long ago. Thank you Jesus, for coming to earth as a tiny baby; showing to us the perfect example of humanity, ultimately to die to pay our debt of sin.  Because You are risen victorious we are able to spend eternity with You.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Jesus, thank You for this day,
That we celebrate Your birth and give gifts away.
We can get so caught up on our preparations,
Leading up to our Christmas celebrations,
We sometimes forget why it is we gather at this time to share.
We go on with our day hardly acknowledging You are there.
Forgive us when we become so preoccupied,
That we forget You came to earth to for us die.
Help us to also think Your resurrection on this day,
And to each day honor You as You help us change our ways.
My Lord Jesus, born of a Virgin pure in a manger long ago,
I thank You for saving my soul.
So as a gift on this day I offer You my heart’s song;
As I remember on this day my eyes on You belong!

Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

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.

God’s Greatest Gift By Brenda Drake

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God’s Greatest Gift

 In the land of Judah, a child was born.
From the start it was evident it was not the norm.
For His Father was God and His mother was Mary.
A virgin would in her body the Son of God would carry.
His Holy birth- though humbly in a stable He lay;
Was heralded by Angels and a star’s light showed the way.
The most astounding thing, was the new baby that Mary would hold,
Was the answer to every need of every living soul.
He that was rich and strong became weak and poor.
He that needed to grow was Son of God and Lord of Lords.
He lived to carry out the Father’s plan.
He lived to die to save fallen man.
He suffered many stripes and He died on the cross of shame,
To give freedom to all that would believe on His name.
He died to live again so all that would believe,
Could His resurrected life inside them receive.
The very best thing any man will get,
Is Jesus for He is God’s greatest gift.

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

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.

Gifts Wrapped in Love By Brenda Drake

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     It is easy to get caught up with the pressures of Christmas-time when finances are strained and the world seems to be upside down in almost every way.  But I think we truly honor Jesus when we remember He is the reason for the season. He is honored I believe when we love Him enough to trust and believe for His best as we give our best to help another.  Gifts are fine but I think greater is love along with respect. Let us honor God by demonstrating hope and faith in His sure help, provisions and intervention in the days ahead.

Gifts Wrapped in Love

Upon a piece of paper write a name;
Pray every day for them and they will never be the same.
Keep eyes open to observe those around you;
Listen to conversations that surround you.
With the right hand hidden let the left bless another,
Allow God’s love to reach through you to sister or brother.
When no one is watching make your prayer requests,
Dance like David danced in God’s glory dressed.
Pile problems at the alter willing to set them free,
With a life love-filled; you are free indeed.
Take a vacation in the Spirit…bask in the favor of the Lord.
It will be the most rewarding vacation, you can afford.
Take a deep breath of hope and fill up with faith.
Believe the Word of God and for His promises patiently wait.
But, to successfully do this,
You need to take care to no opportunity miss.
Look about to do good…. take each step with care;
You gift God when with another you share.
Each day is one day closer to the One you adore.
One step closer to fully being made one with the Lord.
Christmas is celebrated with gifts under the tree.
The very best gifts are wrapped in love others will recieve.
Jesus, the gift sent from heaven to set free from sin’s grasp;
Upon the rugged tree His whole heart was wrapped.
A gift from the Father to the world below;
Such a loving gift is more than we could ever fully know.

Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Gift Accepted By Brenda Drake

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When you give and receive gifts celebrating the birth of Christ, remember, salvation is God’s greatest gift you will ever receive and the Good News is the best gift you can offer to another. We cannot earn redemption, it was offered free.  Jesus must get all the glory, for He did all the work.   When we strive in our effort to be good enough, we are working to earn it and are trying to save ourselves. It is amazing to me that many refuse such a wonderful gift.

Gifts Accepted

What would you think if someone received your gift,
And then attempted to pay for it?
You would think it silly and a waste,
If they insist, to the giver they cause disgrace.
God by Jesus’ sacrifice has offered you many things;
Countless gifts of promise He brings.
The greatest promise is salvation for the soul.
Because of what Jesus did you are whole.
It is done, it is finished; you need only to believe.
Salvation is sure when it is received.
To give thanks and praise is all you need to do.
So great is this gift bestowed on you.
You cannot repay the Master for Salvation.
You cannot earn what He has done.
His love extended to die in your place.
Great is the gift of grace.
Under grace’s cover there are more gifts bestowed;
They are of much more valuable than silver or gold.
Gifts of guidance, provision, and care,
Gifts of His peace and joy are also with you shared.
The gift of accountability as He takes control,
Gifts of knowledge are shared to enrich and make you whole.
To worry or fear at what lie ahead, is to try to a gift pay.
For it states God is unable to do as He says.
Accept His gifts, rest in His love and care for thee,
Then you are walking in the gift of life with the spirit free.

Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Prayer
Forgive me when I worry, I know You are able to lead and guide my path.  Thank You for Your wonderful, generous gifts of love and provision. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful gift of Salvation!