"Snow Swing" Photo by Pat Barrett“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
The following poem was written by my friend, Patricia Barrett. What I like about Pat’s poem is that it addresses the reality of the stress that goes along with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but then it gently reminds us how we can combat that stress – by focusing on Jesus, the true “reason for the season” of wonder.
Season of Wonder
By Patricia Kohls Barret
The season of wonder is upon us
As stores start displays earlier each year
How do we value Advent moments,
As observance of His birth draws near?
Are we in awe of that strange phenomenon,
When God confined Himself to a womb?
Because of love for His rebellious creation
He came to save them from eternal doom
Do we listen to the words of the carols?
Do we think of the meaning of each verse,
As we rush to shop and buy presents,
And dig down for money in our purse?
Is there joy in our hearts as we sing,
Familiar words, “The Lord is come”?
Does “Loves Pure Light” glow in our spirits?
Or do “worldly cares” make them numb?
To celebrate “the reason for the season”
Each person must prioritize his mind
Keep God’s Word and message in the forefront
Looking for ways to be loving and kind
The Spirit uses The Word to stir within
He creates peace and love that pours out
To spread and multiply blessings to folks
Creating harmony and joy worth a shout
*************
"Maybe Christmas", he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more!"
In Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!
~ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957)
*************
The Greatest Gift
By Eileen Umbehr
The greatest gift of all
Isn’t diamonds or gold
The greatest gift of all
Never rusts or gets old
The greatest gift of all
Isn’t being wined or dined
The greatest gift of all
Is the easiest to find
The greatest gift of all
Isn’t the latest craze
The greatest gift of all
Lasts more than three days
The greatest gift of all
Can’t be purchased in a store
It comes straight from the heart
And lasts forevermore
Yes, the greatest gift of all
Doesn’t cost a dime
For the greatest gift of all
Is the gift of time.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
~ Matthew 1:21
"Icy Limb" Photo by Pat Barrett
