31 Days of Christmas – Day #31

The Christmas Heart

The Christmas heart is a beautiful heart, for it is full of love and thoughtfulness for others. And the Christmastime heart is a tribute to the most beautiful heart that ever beat.
It is also the time in which we are brought closest to our own inadequate abilities and helplessness of spirit. For we are so bathed with unselfishness that we feel our failures and lack as never before in the entire year. Perhaps it is well this way so that we may resolve anew to live better and stronger lives for these who mean so much to us.
So, let us cherish this Christmas heart and keep it a Christmas heart all through the year to come. Let us put on all the lights in this heart so that it will be aglow to the world, and let us push up the shades of the windows in this heart so that everyone who passes by may be cheered and inspired. Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first.
The birth of the Baby Jesus stand as the most significant event in all of history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost 2000 years and given beauty to human service it would never have had otherwise.
Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. Enwrapped about the tiniest gift is this same loveliness of thought and heart expression.
What a happy New Year for all if we would carry this same Christmas heart into every day during the coming year and make it a permanent thing in our lives. Let’s do it!
-George Matthew Adams-

31 Days of Christmas – Day #30

When You Can’t See the Star

Everyone could have seen the star and understood it, but only the wise men followed it. They were called “wise,” because by profession and study they had mastered the lore of books and the wisdom of heaven. They were philosophers and astronomers, wise men who were accustomed to looking above the world of men for guidance and truth.
Now, there’s no particular reason for limiting the number of wise men to 3, except for the fact of 3 gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Early tradition says the kings traveled in a vast company of people, of which 7000 were left at the Euphrates River, while another 1000 continued on to Jerusalem.
Don’t you know those kings of the East were objects of ridicule and scorn when they first announce they planned to make a journey to a strange land to worship a new King by following a star! But aren’t you glad their faith was stronger that their pride?
Did you know the wise men lost the star? That’s right! Somewhere along their journey, the star disappeared. Oh, they had it well in sight when they began their trip. Actually, it was the appearance of that star that started them out across the desert to find the Son of God in the first place.
But they lost it! Of course, they kept going. They couldn’t just park in the desert! And when they finally got to Jerusalem and entered Herod’s palace, they didn’t tell him where the Baby was. Remember, it was only after conferring with his scholars that Herod told them that the Baby was born in Bethlehem.
The wise men walked out of the palace, looked up, and there it was: “Lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them” (Matthew 2:9). Scripture says, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10).
What makes a star disappear? Why would we ever lose it from sight? A heavenly vision. A holy calling. How could a star like that get lost?
Well, I suppose clouds could get in the way and block it from view. Or maybe the day could get too bright all around us. It’s hard to see a star at noon! And sometimes we can just get distracted. We tend to look at other things, and then when we get back to look at the star, it’s gone.
So what do you do when you can’t see the star? Do what the wise men did. JUST KEEP GOING! (Hebrews 11:1)

31 Days of Christmas – Day #29

Once Upon A Tree

Once upon a hill, three trees were standing tall;
Dreaming what they’d like to be, if trees can dream at all.
One tree longed for palaces, another treasures rare,
The third tree chose to forever stand, pointing men to God.

More than anything, the first tree wanted to be part of a beautiful palace where one day a great king would dwell. The second chose to be made into a large, seaworthy ship, sailing all the oceans of the world with great treasure.
The third tree wanted to stay right where he was. He dreamt of growing so high that whenever men saw him, he would cause their eyes to look to heaven, and then they’d think of God. He wanted to be the tallest tree in the world.
Those trees shared their dreams for years. And don’t you know it was a happy day for the first tree when the axe cut him down and he was carried into town. But he wasn’t made into a palace. Instead, he became a feed box for cattle and was thrown into a barnyard. His dreams were gone. No king would ever see him now.
The second tree fell to the axe and was thrilled when they took him to the shipyard, but oh, the disappointment! No beautiful ship to sail the oceans of the world would he become. Instead, rough hands fashioned him into a fishing boat. No treasure here, just failure and loneliness.
The third tree tried to stop the woodsman, but the man wouldn’t hear. He chopped the tree, cut him in two, and tossed him in back of the carpenter’s shop to be forgotten. And all he ever wanted to be was the tallest tree in the world.
Then one day, God’s love touched the little feed box, and that first tree finally got his wish and housed a King the night that Mary laid her baby in the manger.
And the second tree — the lonely, smelly fishing boat — his day came when a man was walking by the seashore. The crowds were so great, they were pushing him into the water. A fisherman spoke up, “Master! Use my boat for a pulpit. You’ll be safe here.” Jesus stepped in, and the tree knew he was carrying the greatest treasure the world had ever known.
The third tree didn’t understand when they took his two pieces and crossed them. He cried when they nailed Jesus to him and lifted him up. All he had ever wanted to do was grow tall and point people to God. Finally, as the crowd began to look to the heavens, he realized he had his wish and humbly held the Savior.

31 Days of Christmas – Day #28

Helping One of the Least of These

There was a gracious old shoemaker who one night dreamt that Christ would come to his shop on the following day. Early the next morning he went out to the woods to gather green boughs to decorate his shop for the Lord’s coming.
All day he waited, but the only visitor who came by was an old man. He asked if he might sit down to rest. This shoemaker saw that the visitor’s shoes were indeed very worn, so before sending the stranger on his way, he put the best pair of shoes in the shop on his feet.
Throughout the afternoon, he continued to wait patiently for the Lord’s coming, but the only person he saw was an old woman who struggled under a heavy load. Out of compassion he brought her in and shared some of the food he’d prepared for Christ. She went her way refreshed as the shoemaker continued his vigil.
Just as the shades of night were falling, a lost child entered his shop. He kindly walked the frightened child home to his parents, then hurried back to his shop so he wouldn’t miss the coming of Christ. But even though he waited long and patiently, Jesus did not come. In great despair, the old shoemaker cried, “Why is it, Lord, that your feet delay? Did You forget that this was the day?”
Then softly in the silence, he heard a voice saying:

“Lift up your heart. I kept My word.
Three times I came to your friendly door.
And three times My shadow was on your floor.
I was the beggar with bruised feet.
I was the woman you gave food to eat.
I was the child of the homeless street.
I was all of these.
And when you have done it to the least of these,
You have done it unto Me. And I thank you!
And the shoemaker, through grateful tears replied,
“And I thank You!”
(Hebrews 13:1-2)

31 Days of Christmas – Day #27

One Solitary Life

Born in an obscure village, He was the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where He lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, and worked in a carpenter shop until He was 30.
Then for 3 years, He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.
He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between 2 thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth. When He died, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of humankind’s progress.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that One Solitary Life.

31 Days of Christmas – Day #26

‘Tis the Day After Christmas

‘Tis the day after Christmas and out in the den,
Daddy is watching pro football again.
The children are throwing and breaking their toys,
And Mother is up to her ears in the noise.

The melting snow drips through a hole in the roof;
Wow! One of those reindeer sure had a sharp hoof.
Ribbons and wrappings are spread all around,
And we hope when they’re cleared our lost boy will be found.

Santa long since disappeared in the fog,
The turkey is tasteless and the eggnog won’t nog.
The holly and ivy, the tinsel and lights,
No longer bring warm glows on cold, darkened nights.

Children who last week were helpful and sweet,
Have mouths that are sassy and rooms less than neat.
Those people with faces that smiled forth like elves,
Are now once again, just their grouchy old selves.

The carols of joy and hope filled the air,
But now they are muffled by hard rock’s loud blare.
The cold winds, which now make Aunt Josephine freeze,
Were not even noticed on Yule shopping sprees.

Why should such a great day let us down so hard?
Is there something about Christmas that we disregard?
The babe in the manger became a great man.
He grew up to be Savior; that was God’s plan.

Remember, when you take down that last Christmas bough,
He’ll never love you more than He loves you right now.
And if we know that Christ loves us and always is near,
Then Christmas should be every day of the year!

31 Days of Christmas – Day #25

The Real Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David). To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn 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 round 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 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.”
And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.”
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.”
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:1-20)

31 Days of Christmas – Day #24

Silent Night

On December 24, 1818, in the little village of Oberndorf, Austria, the whole town was preparing to come to the Christmas service, the highlight of the season. But the parish priest, Father Joseph Mohr, was worried. The chapel organ was broken, and because of the heavy snowfall, the repairman from the next town could not get there to fix it. The service would be devoid of the beloved Christmas music.
For months he had been wanting to write a new song to express the simplicity and holiness of Christmas, but the words had eluded him. That night, as he sat at his desk pondering what to do about the music, he saw someone struggling through the deep snow, coming toward his cabin. He heard a knock at his door.
As he opened it, a woman stood at his door, explaining that a family from over the mountain had asked that he come to their home that night to bless their first child who had just been born.
Bundling up, the priest started out through the snow and, after several hours of walking, came to the couple’s cabin and the most beautiful scene he’d ever laid eyes on. There was the new mother in her bed smiling, as she and the father were looking in the little wooden crib beside the bed that held their newborn son.
Father Mohr admired the baby and blessed him and his parents. Then as he trudged home through the silent snow, he thought of the little family and how much it was like the scene in Bethlehem centuries before on that first Christmas night.
The words to a song began to flow as joy filled Mohr’s heart, and as soon as he arrived home, he wrote them down. That very morning, he asked his friend Franz Gruber to compose the tune to the song. That evening, “Silent Night” was heard for the very first time by the little congregation at Oberndorf — with Gruber accompanying on his guitar as both men sang. Originally written for 2 voices and a guitar, the carol has become the most popular Christmas hymn in Europe and in America.

Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright.
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent Night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!”
Christ the Savior, is born! Christ the Savior, is born!

Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love’s pure light!
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

31 Days of Christmas – Day #23

Is There a Santa Claus?

(The most famous editorial ever written is the one entitled, “Is There a Santa Claus?” It has been reproduced in every conceivable form and in every quarter of the globe, since it first appeared in the New York Sun in 1897. The question was raised in a letter to the paper by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon of New York City, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Phillip F. O’Hanlon. The classic answer was written by Frances Church, an editorial writer at the paper. Church undertook the assignment with reluctance, the story goes, but his fine craftsmanship produced an article that has endured and will continue to endure as long as children ask, “Is there a Santa Claus?”)

We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

“Dear Editor:
I am 8-years-old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?”
Virginia O’Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of the age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little.
In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.
There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign there is no Santa Claus.
The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men who ever lived, could tear apart.
Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

(So, is believing in Santa at the heart of Christmas? Of course not! But Frances Church struck a chord in the hearts of millions because he understood the power of faith. Childlike faith and wonder, open our eyes to all the joys of the season — especially to the Child who was born in Bethlehem.)

31 Days of Christmas – Day #22

Quite a Little Baby

Quite a little baby in the hay,
Quite a little baby born that day.
Quite a little baby, don’t you say?
Jesus Christ, the Lord.

With His hands He made the world and hung the moon and stars. He held the water and land and then He made them stand apart. Then with His hands He filled the sea with fish and living things. He painted leaves on all the trees and caused the birds to sing.
That’s quite a little baby.

With His hands He made a man who lived and breathed and stood, and as God looked at all He’d done, He whispered, “It is very good.” But Satan came to war with God and caused the fall of man. Redemption came in human form that first Christmas night in Bethlehem.
That’s quite a little baby in the hay.

But He didn’t come just to be born; He came to live on earth, the perfect Son of man. He showed the world His Father’s love with holy, helping hands. He healed the sick, and He fed the poor while His fame spread through the land. His name was loved and His work was known, because of His two hands.
That’s quite a little baby born that day.

Then one day, those in power came and took Him from His own. They led Him to a rugged hill where a cross would be His throne. He spoke to them forgiving words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
That’s quite a little baby, don’t you say?

And finally, when they pierced Him in the side, to prove how much He still loved them all, He spread His hands out wide, and died.

Quite a little baby in the hay,
Quite a little baby born that day.
Quite a little baby, don’t you say?
Jesus Christ, the Lord!

(John 10:10-11)