The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas in Bethlehem town

Creatures were stirring from all around

From the outer limits to the town's square

People came for the census from everywhere

Activity was bustling at the towns largest inn

So many people there was no room for Joseph to enter in

What would he tell Mary--it had been such a long day

Where would they go where would they stay

Mary with child was tired from such a long trip

All she wanted was to lie down and rest

The inn keeper felt sad to turn them away

He sent them to the stable with a bed made of hay

And there it was that a miracle took place

with angels singing of His mercy and grace

In the dawn of a heavenly Christmas morn

The baby Jesus, savior of the world was born!

Christmas What's it All About?

Are you one of those people who find yourself stressed at Christmas?  The shopping, the wrapping, the baking, holiday parties – putting up and taking down the tree…wondering, what’s it all about? Maybe the problem isn’t Christmas, but the way you look at it.

This year as we usher in the holidays, I am vowing to take a different approach.  I want to spend more time reflecting on the “real” meaning of the season – a small baby in a manager, a savior who came to rescue a dying world.  I want to take a different path this year, perhaps one that follows a star…in the bustle of the holiday; I want to take time to talk with Him, to tell Him that I love Him.  I don’t want to get so busy that I drown on the glorious sounds of Christmas—the songs the angels sing.

 

Most important, I want to take time to kneel before the King of Kings like the shepherds did…I want to feel connected to the nativity and all that it means, to be reminded that Christmas isn’t about bright lights and tinsel on a tree…it’s not about shopping, buying gifts or making sprinkled covered brownies and infinity fudge…it’s not even about merriment, sentiment or sensationalism–it’s about humility, reverence, peace, joy and love – it’s about “Christ” who is Christmas.

This article firs appeared in His Banner Christmas 2006