CHRISTMAS IS HERE

At Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edgar Guest "A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year; He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season is here; Then he’s thinking more of others than he’s thought the months before, And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for. He is less a selfish creature than at any other time; When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime. When it’s Christmas man is bigger and is better in his part; He is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart. All the petty thoughts and narrow seem to vanish for awhile And the true reward he’s seeking is the glory of a smile. Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me That at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be. If I had to paint a picture of a man I think I’d wait Till he’d fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate. I’d not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are all of pelf, On the long days and the dreary when he’s striving for himself. I’d not take him when he’s sneering, when he’s scornful or depressed, But I’d look for him at Christmas when he’s shining at his best. Man is ever in a struggle and he’s oft misunderstood; There are days the worst that’s in him is the master of the good, But at Christmas kindness rules him and he puts himself aside And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide. Oh, I don’t know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be." from Collected Verse of Edgar Guest NY:Buccaneer Books, 1976, pg. 239 Some Special Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Source Unknown Here are a few suggestions for special gifts: • a firm handshake to a shaky soul, • a kind word to a lonely person, • a warm smile to the disheartened, • a sincere concern for someone troubled, • a feeling of compassion for the neglected, • a comforting thought for the bereaved, • a respect for the dignity of others, • a defense of the rights of individuals, • a word of witness to help a seeking soul, • a Merry Christmas to all. Christmas is… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Source Unknown Christmas is a gift of love wrapped in human flesh and tied securely with the strong promises of God. Christmas is angelic music in the form of a carol and oratorio with a celestial descant. Christmas is "glory to God," "good will to man," and "joy to the world." Christmas is "peace on earth" for those who accept it and live in unity with God's will. Christmas is a man on duty tending sheep, or machine, who senses the upward call and stops to worship. Christmas is a tall green tree which serves as festive altar for any household which discovers the true meaning behind it all. Christmas is a ringing bell calling a distraught humanity to gladness and hope. Christmas is a glowing hearth gently placed in the winter of man's loneliness. Christmas is an altar to which man can bring his heartache for comfort, his lostness for guidance, and his sin for forgiveness. Christmas is the sparkle of anticipation and the steady light of faith in the eyes of a little child as he hears the old, old story. Christmas is the shining star of hope in the sky of all mankind. Christmas is more than words can tell, for it is a matter for the heart to receive, believe and understand.