"In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare
a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where
I am, there ye may be also." ~John 14:1-3~
Christmas is a time for memories, a time for recalling the
scenes and happenings that are treasured always in our hearts.
It is also a time for love and generosity of spirit, a time
for renewing family ties and friendships, and for exchanging
the thoughts, events, kind deeds, and observances that have
added to the true meaning and happiness of this life. May
we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season and
the true Christmas spirit, this year and always. May His mercies
and peace be with you. May you be blessed and sheltered by
His grace!
And she brought forth her first
born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid
him in a manger; because there was no room for them in
the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding
in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around about them; and they
were sore afraid. 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
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
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."
My friends, Todd and Teresa Phillips, and I are singing
the
beautiful Christmas Hymn 'Silent Night'.
I have a list of people I know
All written in a book
And every year at Christmastime
I go and take a look
And that is when I realize
That those names are all a part
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart
For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine
And once you've met some people
The years can not erase
The memory of a pleasant word
Or of a friendly face
So when I send a Christmas card
That is addressed to you
It's because you're on that list
Of folk I'm indebted to
And you are one of many folk who
In times past I've met
And happen to be one of those
I don't want to forget
And whether I have known you for
Many years or few
In some way you have a part in
Shaping things I do
This, the spirit of Christmas, that
Forever and ever endures
May it leave it richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours. ~Author Unknown~
Christmas, my child, is love in action.
. . Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. ~ Dale Evans (1912-2001), American film
actress, singer and songwriter. Wife of Roy Rogers.
25 WAYS WE'RE DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS - 2001
Last Christmas we were thinking about
all the things we didn't have. This Christmas we are thinking
about all the things we do have.
Last Christmas we were placing wreaths
on the doors of our homes. This Christmas we are placing
wreaths on the graves of our heroes.
Last Christmas we were letting our sons
play with toy guns. This Christmas we are teaching them
that guns are not toys.
Last Christmas we were counting our money.
This Christmas we are counting our blessings.
Last Christmas we were lighting candles
to decorate. This Christmas we are lighting candles to
commemorate.
Last Christmas we may have paid lip service
to the real meaning of the holidays. This Christmas we
are paying homage to it.
Last Christmas we were digging deep into
our bank accounts to find money to fly home for the holidays.
This Christmas we are digging deep into our souls to find
the courage to do so.
Last Christmas we were trying not to let
annoying relatives get the best of us. This Christmas
we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.
Last Christmas we thought it was enough
to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas we know we must
also find ways to consecrate them.
Last Christmas we thought a man who could
rush down a football field was a hero. This Christmas
we know a man who rushes into a burning building is the
real one.
Last Christmas we were thinking about
the madness of the holidays. This Christmas we are thinking
about the meaning of them.
Last Christmas we were getting on one
another's nerves. This Christmas we are getting on our
knees.
Last Christmas we were giving thanks for
gifts from stores. This Christmas we are giving thanks
for gifts from GOD.
Last Christmas we were wondering how to
give our children all the things that money can buy. This
Christmas we are wondering how to give them all the things
money can't (peace, security).
Last Christmas we were thinking about
all the pressure we were under at the office. This Christmas
we are thinking about all the people who no longer have
an office.
Last Christmas we were singing carols.
This Christmas we are singing anthems.
Last Christmas we were thinking how good
it would feel to be affluent. This Christmas we are thinking
how good it feels to be alive.
Last Christmas we thought angels were
in heaven. This Christmas we know they are right here
on earth.
Last Christmas we were contemplating all
the changes we wanted to make in the new year. This Christmas
we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make
in this new reality.
Last Christmas we believed in the power
of the pocketbook. This Christmas we believe in the power
of prayer.
Last Christmas we were sharing/spreading/listening
to gossip. This Christmas we are sharing/spreading /listening
to the Gospel.
Last Christmas we were complaining about
how much of our earnings went to taxes. This Christmas
we comprehend that freedom isn't free.
Last Christmas we valued things that were
costly. This Christmas we value things that are holy.
Last Christmas the people we idolized
wore sports uniforms. This Christmas the people we idolize
wear police, firefighter, and military uniforms.
Last Christmas peace on earth was something
we prayed for on Sunday morning. This Christmas it's something
we pray for every day. ~Author Unknown~
Christmas is not a time or a season but a state
of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous
in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If
we think on these things, there will be born in us a
Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam
of hope to the world. ~Calvin
Coolidge~
25 WAYS WE'RE DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS - 2001