Do You Hear?

 

“Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas.” ~ Henry Van Dyke

~*~*~*~*~

I began setting out nativity scenes yesterday morning and have continued throughout the day. I have 29 out now. With each set, I thought about the huge difference Jesus's birth brought to our world. Have you ever imagined yourself walking through a forest filled with beautiful trees and wild flowers? That's what I did. I walked into a beautiful, peaceful paradise. I continued walking until I came to a fork in the trail. One path split off into the "wish" side of the forest and the other to the "hope" side. Some people get confused about these two things. Wishes are for genies and hope is for believers. As an example, I thought to myself, "Gee, I wish that Santa Claus would come down the chimney and get all of those boxes from the top shelf. Did I expect it to happen? No. Then I thought, "I hope that if I ask Dean, he'll get them down for me. Did he? Yes. Dean is real. He's solid. He's someone I believe in, not a genie who will disappear in a puff of smoke. Our Savior is real. He was born in Bethlehem to show us by His life the pathway we should follow. He paid the price for our Atonement.  He gives us hope.  Tomorrow, I will walk into His light.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I'm changing the order of things today because I found an absolutely incredible video on Youtube. It was posted on the 26th of November of this year, so the odds are that you haven't seen it either. Watching it changed everything I was going to do and say. It really filled me with joy. It will be both the song and the story today. I'm so impressed with it! Please watch and listen to this song by Gentri which includes their children telling the story of Christ's birth ~~ Marilee

"Do You Hear What I Hear" (Official Music Video) | GENTRI

Said the night wind to the little lamb,

do you see what I see

Way up in the sky, little lamb,

do you see what I see

A star, a star, dancing in the night

With a tail as big as a kite

With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,

do you hear what I hear

Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,

do you hear what I hear

A song, a song, high above the trees

With a voice as big as the sea

With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,

do you know what I know

In your palace warm, mighty king,

do you know what I know

A Child, a Child shivers in the cold

Let us bring Him silver and gold

Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,

listen to what I say

Pray for peace, people everywhere!

listen to what I say

The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night

He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light

*~*~*~*

Fastest and Best Fudge Ever

4 c. powdered sugar, sifted

2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa

½ t. cinnamon

1/3 c. milk

1 t. vanilla

½ c. margarine or butter, cut into pieces

½ c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon in 8-cup glass bowl. Pour in milk and vanilla. Sprinkle margarine over top.

Microwave, uncovered, at High power for 2 minutes. Mix well and pour into aluminum foil lined and greased 8 x 8 x 2" baking pan. Sprinkle pecans over top of fudge and press in lightly. Refrigerate until firm––abt. One hour.

*~*~*~*

Make Christmas Special

Making Christmas special doesn't mean that you have to have "tons" of presents under your tree or spend "tons" of money you probably don't have. It's all about spending "time" with those you love. Each Thursday, we will share ideas about something we can do to make Christmas fun. Please feel free to leave comments or email me and I will include your ideas. You see, “It can come without ribbons, it can come without tags. It can come without packages, boxes, or bags … For Christmas doesn’t come from a store, Christmas comes from the heart, and that means a whole lot more.” Covid has affected our world dramatically. Start a new tradition this year, make it fun: pull taffy (I haven't done that since I was a kid), make a new ornament starting this year. (I have some fun, easy ornaments on my pinterest boards). You can have a pickle hunt! You can eat by candlelight! Whatever is fun for you.

*~*~*~*

There’s More to Christmas…

Author Unknown

There’s more, much more to Christmas

Than candlelight and cheer;

It’s the spirit of sweet friendship

That brightens all the year;

It’s thoughtfulness and kindness,

It’s hope reborn again,

For peace, for understanding,

For goodwill to men!

When A child Is born

 

“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!” Neal A Maxwell

*~*~*~*

Would I Know My Savior?

written by Sally DeFord

performed by Allyse Smith Taylor

Would I know my Savior, wrapped in swaddling bands?

Lying in a manger-bed
Light of heaven round his head
Would I hear the angels bend t’ward earth to sing?
Would I know the Holy Child?
Would I know my King?

Would I know my Savior, safe in Mary’s arms?

Cradled in a lullaby

Heaven’s legions watching nigh

Would I know his goodness?
Would I feel his grace?
Would I know the Holy Child if I beheld his face?

Would I know my Savior, in a lowly stall?

Where the lowing cattle feed
Where the silver starlight leads
Where the humble shepherds seek the Holy One
Would I hear the Spirit whisper,
“This is God’s own Son.”

I think my heart would know him
Christ

The Holy One
For I can hear the Spirit whisper,
“This is God’s own Son.”

*~*~*~*

My walk started off positively yesterday. I said a prayer of thanksgiving for the baby born in Bethlehem. As I fixed breakfast, I thought of Him. As I loaded the dishwasher, I thought of Him and tried to imagine what it would have been like to live then. My first thought was, “no toilets”, then “no washing machines”, “no cell phones” and finally “no disposable diapers!” I kept thinking about it. The Johny Mathis song, "When A Child Is Born" came into my mind. I couldn't stop singing it. "A ray of hope flickers in the sky, A tiny star lights up way up high. All across the land, dawns a brand-new morn. This comes to pass when a child is born." Jesus Christ was the ray of hope to a struggling world. Judah was a vassal state of Rome, the whole world was.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Thirty-seven years before the birth of Christ, Herod the Great was appointed king by Rome. He was crafty and brutal, a powerful puppet. Human life had little value.  Herod was ruthless in destroying anyone who opposed him, including his own children. The people of Palestine prayed for their promised Savior and King, not understanding that he would be born a common child who would not be a great political leader, but rather the Spiritual Liberator of all. "A ray of hope flickered in the sky, A shining star lit up way up high. All across the land, dawned a brand-new morn. That came to pass when a child was born."

I will set out nativities today and encourage each of you to do the same and to think of that child and the hope he provides to each of us. What do you hope for?  ~~ Marilee

*~*~*~*

Every Wednesday will include games 

Elf Co-ordination Game

Everyone knows that Santa’s elves have to multitask. This game tests if you’re up to working in his warehouse. Each player is given a book, a three-foot dowel that has been painted like a candy cane, a glass of water, and a ball. After Santa says "Ready, set, go" you head for the finish line with the book on your head, a glass full of water in your left hand and the candy cane in the right. At the same time, you roll a ball with your feet. The first person across the line is the winner.

Snowball Fest

Divide your group into teams. One person on each team is the “chef”. He throws marshmallows into his fellow team member’s mouths. The team gets a point for every marshmallow that is caught.  If you want to get

*~*~*~*

Recipe

Caramels

2 c. granulated sugar

½½ c. butter (not margarine)

3/4 c. light corn syrup

2 c. heavy whipping cream

Butter a 9 x 9 x 2 pan and set aside. Place sugar, butter, corn syrup, and 1 c of cream in a heavy 3-quart pan and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat. Slowly add second cup of cream in a slow trickle so the boiling does not stop. Stir continually. When all of the cream is added, place the thermometer in the pan. As the temperature increases, reduce the heat. Cook to 246EF for a firm caramel. Cook 2 degrees less for a softer caramel. Pour the caramel into the buttered pan. Let set at room temperature until firm, then cut with a lightly buttered knife and dip in chocolate or wrap plain.

*~*~*~*

The Stables At Midnight: A Christmas Story

By: Anne Flyzik
extracted from :  http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/stables-midnight-christmas-story

I have a true story to tell about midnight on Christmas.

It happened in 1991 or '92. My marriage had ended, and I was leasing a farm as a boarding stable. I had around 20 horses at Christmas that year.

My son was then 5 or 6 years old and knew the Thomas Hardy poem about all the animals kneeling down at midnight on Christmas Eve. He begged and begged to go to the stable at midnight, but I put him off, not wanting to disappoint him in this year of so many disappointments.

You see, I had a lot of horses that did not like to lie down even in the wee hours of the night, including two mares whose owners told me they'd had those two for years and had yet to even see them off their feet. A number of the others would lie down, but would immediately get up when someone entered the barn or came near them.

Well, that Christmas Eve, Conor woke up at 11:30 and begged to go to the stable to see if it was true. My heart was a little heavy as we went down.

It was 11:59. We entered the barn at midnight, flashlight in hand.

EVERY horse was kneeling. We walked down one side and back up the other. Every horse was kneeling; none got up.

None were flat on their sides, not even the yearling. And the two mystery mares were also kneeling; so were the track lay-ups who always jumped to their feet when people approached: every single one of them.

It was so hushed and quiet and beautiful.

The faith of a child....

Conor is 13 now and stands 5'10. He still says to me, "Remember that Christmas Eve when we went down to the barn to see if the horses were kneeling?"

It's one of my most special lifetime memories.

Thomas Hardy's "The Oxen" (1915)

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock,
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years!  Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel

"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.

By Thomas Hardy

(This story was edited by Dianna Robin Dennis)
© 2002 by Anne Flyzik

I was not able to contact the author to receive permission to use her story, but there was a link at the site allowing people to e-mail it and share with others.  I’m assuming that it can be used as long as I include contact info. Here is the information given on the website I extracted it from: www.chronofhorse.com

“This Christmas story has long been a favorite on the Chronicle of the Horse Forums, and the author, Anne Flyzik, graciously gave permission to reprint it on www.chronofhorse.com.”

(Just in case you want to listen to the song, it starts about 30 seconds in.)

Walk In His Way

 

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home, whether in person or in our hearts. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, relive childhood memories, continue cherished traditions, and share hospitality and good will with others. I am grateful to share with each of you my love of, and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. The past year was challenging, and I’m grateful to be here to share this Christmas with you. On Dec. 26^th, I was injured in an automobile accident. After being extracted from my car, I was life-flighted to a medical center about 100 miles away. I had 6 fractured vertebrae, a broken humerus, a brain bleed and severe concussion. Sound a little scary? It was, but I have been blessed beyond measure. Physical therapy, speech therapy, vision therapy and cognitive therapy, as well as counseling for PTSD, have restored much of my functioning. I’m not the same person, but I’m here and I’m happy. After all, who cares if I can’t factor polynomial expressions for fun or recite the periodical table any more? Not me – (ok, that’s a lie, but not as big a lie as it USED to be! I’m adjusting) Life is incredible! This year, we will celebrate with stories, poems, recipes (candy or sweet treats), decorating tips and music. Join me and see the color, taste the flavors, feel the warmth and texture of the season and delight in the ability that you possess to make it memorable. Make every moment, every thought, every action into a celebration of Christ’s life and love. ~~ Marilee

*~*~*~*

"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." -C.S. Lewis

*~*~*~*

Each Tuesday this year, we will have decorating tips

Decorating Tip #1

Attach your LED lights on the inside of your windows. They’re so bright that people will see them on the outside without any problem, and you won’t have to go out in the snow to put them up or take them down.

*~*~*~*

As always, there will be music. Some of the YouTube links are  songs only, some include lyrics and others have videos as well.  Unfortunately I have no control over the advertisements which YouTube inserts and I apologize for them.

The Star Still Shines

Performed by David Osmond
written by Shawna Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7f6-wdfatk
music only

In a place where midnight skies were clear so long ago, so far,
The little towns would lay so still beneath the silent stars
A world so different from our own where the Son of God was born
The light and life of every soul where ever we are.

If we seek the light when peace is hard to find
He’ll send a silent night and touch our ears
So we can hear an angel voice
And in the darkest times,
He will lift our eyes to see the star still shines

Now the lights we hang obscure the sky, the clamor steals the song
We miss the calm and quiet nights filled with wondering awe
And all the while the risen Lord freely gives us so much more
The peace on earth we’re looking for has been here all along.

If we seek the light when peace is hard to find
He’ll send a silent night and touch our ears so we can hear an angel voice
And in the darkest times he will lift our eyes to see the star still shines
He will lift our eyes to see the star still shines

*~*~*~*

Following my accident, I spent weeks in the hospital and in rehab. During that time, I was seldom by myself. At first, my husband and daughters were with me, but even when they left my room, I felt a presence there. I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t afraid. My Savior’s love surrounded and comforted me. He sustained me this entire year. He gave me strength when I felt I couldn’t go on. He stiffened my resolve that I would see clearly, walk without stumbling and that the mental fog which engulfed me would thin and disappear. He gave me strength, and courage.  It didn't happen all at once.  I’m still moving onward.  I'll keep moving onward, following in His footsteps.  I'll post an update every day, and let you share my journey.  I hope you will join me and walk in His way.  Each morning, my walk will start with a prayer of thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2   Continue in prayer and walk the same with thanksgiving

*~*~*~*

All of the recipes this year will be for sweet treats.

Chocolate Krispy Drops

1 lb. White almond bark

6 oz. chocolate chips

1 c. rice krispies

4 c. dry roasted peanuts

Melt the bark and the chocolate chips in a 200 degree oven in a 13 x 9 pan. Stir together until well blended. Mix in the rest of the ingredients, thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonfuls on Saran Wrap. Store in candy tins. May add up to 1 c. additional peanuts.

*~*~*~*

That First Christmas Day

Connie Hinnen Cook 1946- 2007

Extracted from http://www.skywriting.net/ConnieCook.html

There were no Christmas stockings hung
on that first Christmas day,
Just a lonely manger
and a lowly bed of hay.

There was no jovial Santa Claus
with toys and gifts galore,
But shepherds came from out of fields
to worship and adore.

There was no Christmas tree that day
bedecked with tinsel bright,
But in the East there was a star
that dazzled with its light.

There were no Christmas carolers
to serenade with song,
But hosts of angels gathered 'round
to watch the whole night long.

No fast last-minute shopping
and no Christmas cards to send,
But hope was born in one small Child
for new life without end!

KEEPING BABY WARM
~ by Lynda H. Laughlin

It was an inexpensive dime-store Nativity set, and he was only three years old. His back was toward me, but I could see that his chubby little hands were busily working on something at the old table.

"What are you doing?" I asked him impatiently annoyed at him for touching the decorations after he had been told not to.

As I started toward the scene of his latest mischief, he turned toward me with wide blue eyes filling and a single tear starting down his cherubic cheek. Then I saw it. A carefully folded tissue had been tenderly placed over the small ceramic infant.

"Baby Jesus was cold, Mommy," he whispered.

Ten years have passed, and the tiny Nativity has been replaced by a much larger one. But this year, as every year, I found a carefully folded tissue covering the Baby Jesus. I think I know who did it, and I hope he never stops.

This story is found on multiple sites.  

https://www.facebook.com/myfavoritechristmasstories

https://johansonfamilychristmas.wordpress.com/

http://theengraving.blogspot.com/

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child"

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  

***** 

"Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world." -C.S. Lewis 

***** 

Joseph’s Song

written and performed by Michael Card

How could it be this baby in my arms

Sleeping now, so peacefully

The Son of God, the angel said

How could it be?

Lord I know He's not my own

Not of my flesh, not of my bone

Still Father let this baby be

Son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours

How can a man be father to the Son of God

Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter

How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king?

He looks so small, His face and hands so fair

And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear

And when He laughs it shines again

How could it be?

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours

How can a man be father to the Son of God

Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter

How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king?

How could it be this baby in my arms

Sleeping now, so peacefully

The Son of God, the angel said

How could it be?

How could it be? 

***** 

It many ways, it has been a different December from what I planned. In other ways, it has been exactly what I planned. I took my walk with Christ. I served, at times under difficult circumstances, and felt His comfort and Love. I was never alone. Thank you for letting me share my love of Christ with you Merry Christmas ~~~ Marilee

***** 

Reluctant Scouts 

~Author unknown 

Each year the rescue mission in our town provides a Christmas Eve dinner for needy families and those who have no families with which to share a meal. I had become acquainted with the director of the mission and greatly admired his work. He was a nondenominational minister who had devoted his life to building and maintaining a shelter for transients and for local people in need.

One holiday season, as my thoughts turned to serve to our fellowmen, I approached this director with a plan. I was serving as Scoutmaster at the time and wanted the boys to have an opportunity to give service to the disadvantaged within our community. Perhaps, I thought, the Scouts could help prepare and serve the Christmas Eve dinner.

The director was delighted to have our help. The overworked mission staff needed a boost. For my part, I was happy that the Scouts would have an unusual opportunity to help those in need. I convinced five of them-and their parents-that this would be a worthwhile and rewarding activity. A few hours before the dinner I began picking them up.

But my excitement waned as we journeyed to the mission. The materialism of the season had a perceptible hold on most of the boys; they were not overjoyed to interrupt their holiday festivities for another service project. Because I had been looking forward to spending time with my own family as well, I couldn't really blame them.

As we approached the mission, driving past bars, abandoned railroad cars, and junkyards, I began to question my decision. Was it wise to expose our young boys to the company of these men, some of whom might be criminals and drug abusers? As we walked to the front door, I noticed a number of very rough-looking characters hanging about, no doubt waiting for dinner to begin. Their haggard faces made me a little nervous.

When we entered the dining room, the delicious smell of roast turkey was in the air. The mission cooks, most of whom had been "down and out" themselves at one time, were busy putting the finishing touches on the dinner. The boys and I began setting tables, filling water pitchers, and assisting the cooks.

As we were busy with these chores, the director came into the room and announced that, because the dining room was large enough to serve only thirty at a time, the dinner would be served in shifts. Families with children would be served first.

"Families with children?" I thought. "Surely there won't be many in that category."

But when the doors to the dining hall were opened, a little crowd of disheveled children scrambled in and raced to the tables to feed thirty at a time, the dinner would be served in shifts. Families with children would be served first.

"Families with children?" I thought. "Surely there won't be many in that category."

But when the doors to the dining hall were opened, a little crowd of disheveled children scrambled in and raced to the tables to find seats. Most of them were accompanied only by their mothers.

After the blessing, we began to serve the crowd. We were surprised to serve three or four shifts of mostly women and children before the men had their turn. The men and women, the young and old polished off their helpings almost as fast as we served them. They were obviously unaccustomed to such a well-prepared and delicious meal.

As the meal progressed, I noticed a very real change in the attitudes of my Scouts. One or two had been reluctant in participating in this project; now their hearts were noticeably softened as they served these hungry people. They seemed delighted to go out of their way to help clean up a spill, or to refill an empty water glass. They felt comfortable, even eager, in serving dinner and talking to some of the roughest-looking men there.

Then I felt the spirit speak to my heart, and a scripture I had often heard came into my mind: "Inasmuch as ye have don't it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(Matthew 25:40)

There, among a group of individuals that some of us would have preferred to avoid, I felt the Spirit as strong as I have felt in any testimony meeting. I knew that the boys felt this same spirit, too. As the mission staff expressed their gratitude for our help, we were sure that we had come away with much more than we had given.

I have a hunch that the boys' Christmas that year was different from any other they had experience before. "Let's do it again next year," they commented as we drove away. Of one thing I am certain: Their Scoutmaster will never be the same.

"we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him"

Matthew 2:1-2 

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa 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 will always be in the hearts of God's children everywhere as they extend a helping hand to a friend in need ... as they go about reflecting God's goodness in the little quiet and unheralded expressions of a loving heart ... as they share the light of the world with those who live in darkness. Jane Hillsmen

~*~~*~~~*~~*~ 

The Angels Cried 

Allison Krauss and Alan Jackson 

audio recording with still pictures

They came from near, they came from far 

Following a distant star to where He lay 

Not being sure of what it meant, but 

Knowing it was Heaven sent 

They made their way 

And the creatures gathered 'round 

And didn't make a sound 

And the angels cried 

The angels knew what was to come 

The reason God had sent His son from up above 

It filled their hearts with joy to see and 

Knowing of His destiny came tears of love 

And the creatures gathered 'round 

And didn't make a sound 

And the angels cried 

I've often thought about that night 

And wondered if they realized 

That star so bright was sent to tell all the landThe Son of God would soon become the Son of Man 

And the creatures gathered 'round 

And didn't make a sound 

And the angels cried (3x) 

~*~~*~~~*~~*~ 

CHRISTMAS PRETZEL COOKIES
2 lbs. white chocolate bark (can be melted in microwave or double boiler)
8 to 10 oz. long stick pretzels, broken into 3 pieces
4 c. Rice Krispies
1 c. Spanish peanuts (or any nuts)
Wax paper
Mix everything together. Pour melted bark over all and spoon out on wax paper to form candy. Candy will harden as it dries.

~*~~*~~~*~~*~ 

Let not our hearts be busy inns, 

That have no room for Thee, 

But cradles for the living Christ 

And His nativity. 

Still driven by a thousand cares 

the pilgrims come and go, 

the hurried caravans pass on, 

the inns are crowded so! 

Oh, lest we starve, and lest we die, 

In our stupidity, 

Come, Holy Child, within and share 

Our hospitality. 

Let not our hearts be busy inns, 

That have no room for Thee. 

But cradles for the living Christ, 

and His nativity 

~*~~*~~~*~~*~ 

I am home after spending much of this month at my daughter’s. I am sorry that things did not turn out as well with the blog as usual. Looking through my past blogs, I found a story which I wrote which seems really to belong with this year’s theme. “Several years ago, a friend of mine shared a story about her boys. They had a family Christmas pageant at their grandparent’s home the first Monday in December. Her little boys (age 3, 4, and 7) were the wisemen. Their grandmother taught them to take their responsibilities seriously, after all they were the ones who gave the first presents to baby Jesus. The pageant was beautiful and everyone was happy with it. As December passed, my friend noticed odd little things. A can of spray paint vanished and some glitter. The Halloween things were gotten into, and her purse was raided. Someone took her make-up. On Christmas Eve, the family read the story of the birth of the Savior from the book of Luke. Then her three little wisemen took out crudely wrapped presents and put them by the nativity. The first present was a can of gold spray paint and a jar of gold glitter. The next was a monster mask (Frankenstein - frankincense), and in the third was the mirror (myrrh)from her compact. Her boys remembered Jesus. They talked a lot about service that coming year and the example which Jesus set for everyone. The following year the boys each found someone they could serve. Serving became a way of life, first at Christmas time and then year round. They passed out sandwiches and blankets to the homeless; gathered toys and clothes for the Women’s shelter, and helped with many angel Trees. Jesus is our role model. He didn’t come to Earth to have people wait on and serve Him. He came to serve us. He gave each of us unique gifts and abilities to use in the service of others. It is not enough to have faith, we must also follow in His footsteps, act in His name” ~~ Marilee

I am the Christmas Spirit 

E.C. Baird 

I enter the home of poverty, 

causing pale-faced children to open their 

eyes wide in pleased wonder. 

I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax, 

and thus paint a bright spot on his soul. 

I cause the aged to renew their youth 

and to laugh in the glad old way. 

I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, 

and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic. 

I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways 

with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts 

amazed at the goodness of the world. 

I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, 

wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token 

that releases glad tears – 

tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow. 

I enter dark prison cells, 

reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, 

and pointing forward to good days yet to come. 

I come softly into the still, white home of pain, 

and lips that are too weak to speak 

just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude. 

In a thousand ways I 

cause the weary world to look up into the face of God 

and for a little moment forget the things 

that are small and wretched. 

I am the Christmas Spirit. 

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

author unknown

In a forest in the far, far East grew a great many pine trees. Most of
them were tall trees, higher than the houses that we see, and with wide, strong branches. But there was one tree that was not nearly so tall as the others; in fact, it was no taller than some of the children in the kindergarten.

Now, the tall trees could see far, far out over the hilltops and into the valleys, and they could hear all the noises that went on in the world beyond the forest, but the Little Tree was so small and the other trees grew so high and thick about it that it could not see nor hear these things at all; but the other trees were very kind, and they would stoop down and tell them to the Little Tree. One night in the winter time there seemed to be something strange happening in the little town among the hills, for the trees did not go to sleep after the sun went down, but put their heads together and spoke in strange, low whispers that were full of awe and wonder. The Little Tree, from its place close down to the ground, did not understand what it was all about. It listened awhile, and then lifted its head as high as ever it could and shouted to its tall neighbor: "Will you not stoop and tell me what is happening?" And the big tree stooped down and whispered: "The shepherds out on the hilltops are
telling strange stories while they watch their sheep. The air is filled
with sweet music, and there is a wonderful star coming up in the east, traveling westward always, and the shepherds say that they are waiting for it to stop and shine over a humble stable in their little town. I have not heard why it is going to stop there, but I will look again and listen." So the tall tree lifted up its head again, and reached far out so that it might hear more of the wonderful story.
Bye and bye it stooped down again, and whispered to the Little Tree:

"Oh, Little Tree, listen! There are angels among the shepherds on the hills, and they are all talking together. They seem to be awaiting the birth of a little child, who will be a king among the people, and the beautiful star will shine above the stable where the little king will be laid in a manger."

The tree again raised its head to listen, and the Little Tree, much
puzzled, thought within itself: "It is very strange, indeed.

* * * * *

Oh, how I wish that I could see it all!"

It waited a little longer, and everything grew quiet, and a great peace came upon the forest.

* * * * *

Then suddenly the town, and even the forest was illuminated with a strange, white light that made everything as bright as day, and the air was filled with the flutter of angels' wings, and with music such as the world had never heard before.

The people and the trees, even the stars in the heaven, lifted up their voices and sang together and the whole world was filled with music and joy and love for the little Christ-child who had come to dwell upon the earth.

The Little Tree was filled with fear and wonder, for so great was the
excitement that the other trees had almost forgotten it, and it could not understand the mysterious sounds; but bye and bye its tall friend said

"Listen, listen, Little Tree! Such news I have to tell! The Christ has
come--the King! And the whole world is singing such beautiful music.

There are wise men coming from the East, bringing beautiful gifts to the Christ-child. The angels, too, are upon the earth, and they bear gifts of gold and rare, beautiful stones. Wait! I will tell you more."

The tall tree had scarcely lifted up its head when it stooped again and whispered to the Little Tree, "Look! Look! Little Tree! They are coming this way; the angels are coming here, into our forest! Lift up your head high and you will see them as they pass."

The Little Tree lifted up its head and saw the white flutter of angel
robes and heard the weird, sweet voices of the heavenly host who came with precious gifts into the forest.

"Oh," said the Little Tree, "they are coming here, toward me! What shall I do?" And in fear it bent its head so low that it almost touched the ground.

But the music came nearer and nearer, and the Little Tree felt a tender hand upon its branches, and a soft, gentle voice said to it, "Arise, Little Tree, and come with us, for we have come into the forest to seek you. Yes, you, the very smallest among the trees, are to be our gift-bearer. Come; lift up your head."

In fear and trembling the Little Tree did as the angel bade it. But when it looked into the angel's face and saw the love and kindness there, all fear was gone, and it said to the angel: "Yes; make me ready. I will come with you to the little Christ-child in the manger."

So all the angels brought their gifts of precious jewels and shining
gold, and fastened them upon the branches of the Little Tree. Then the leader of the angels' band took up the Little Tree from the ground and bore it, laden with its precious burden, to the feet of the Christ-child.

Extracted from :
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/christmas-religious/short-stories/the-first-christmas-tree.html