It’s the most wonderful time of the year, When joy fills the air and loved ones draw near. The world seems to sparkle, both far and wide, With twinkling lights and hearts open wide.
The laughter of children, the songs that we sing, The warmth of the fire, the hope that it brings. Snow softly falling, a blanket of white, Transforming the earth in a magical light.
Families gather, their hearts intertwined, Sharing sweet moments that memories bind. Kindness and giving, a season of cheer, It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Carols resound in the crisp winter air, Reminding us all of a love so rare. A child in a manger, a star shining bright, The promise of peace on that holy night.
So cherish these days, let love take its place, In every warm hug, in every kind face. For this is the season to hold what is dear, The most wonderful time of the year.
How many there are who rest at ease, Believing grace requires no pleas. “Jesus paid it all,” they softly say, While turning their hearts the other way.
But grace is not a passive song, A debt erased, then we move along. It calls us forth, with hands outstretched, To heal the wounds the world has etched.
For Christ, who bore the cross of shame, Did not endure for hollow acclaim. He paid it all, yes, this is true, But left a charge for me and you.
To walk His path, to share His light, To bring the lost from dark to bright. To lift the broken, seek the stray, And show God’s love in every way.
So let us not forget the cost, Or why He came to save the lost. The call is clear, His footsteps lead, A life of love is what we need.
Take time to stop and smell the roses, Life rushes by as the door closes. In the bloom of red, the softest hue, Lies a moment waiting just for you.
The world may spin with endless haste, But joy is found in moments chased. A petal’s curve, a fragrant breeze, A quiet pause beneath the trees.
Take time to hear the robin’s song, To watch the clouds drift slow and long. For beauty whispers, soft and sweet, In every corner, at your feet.
The roses wait, their story untold, A fleeting treasure, more precious than gold. So pause, be still, let the world compose Take time to stop and smell the rose.
It’s the smallest things that make a life, A whispered word, a softened strife. A glance, a touch, a fleeting smile, Moments that linger, just for a while.
The morning light through windowpanes, The rhythm of softly falling rain. A child’s laughter, a warm embrace, The quiet joy of a familiar face.
The scent of bread, the bloom of spring, A songbird’s call, the joy they bring. A cup of tea, a hand to hold, The warmth that lingers when nights are cold.
It’s not the grand, the loud, the bold, But tiny threads of silver and gold That weave the tapestry of our days, Binding hearts in intricate ways.
So cherish the little, the small, the slight, The glow of stars on a quiet night. For life is built on these gentle things— A world of whispers, where meaning sings.
I am called to live, not for my own acclaim, But to bear the light of His holy name. A perfect bond with God I seek, To let His strength shine through my weak.
Not admiration for who I appear to be, But a yearning for Him through what others see. For thoughts of self are chains that bind, Hindering the work of the divine.
God’s purpose isn’t a showcase display, But a vessel refined for His chosen way. Not polished pride, but a heart made pure, To carry His message, steadfast, sure.
So I surrender, let Him take control, Molding my life to fulfill His goal. Whatever He asks, wherever He leads, I trust in His plan; He meets my needs.
Lord, make me useful, humble, and true, A mirror of grace that reflects only You. For when I am nothing, Your power is known, Through me, may Your glory alone be shown.
The Holy Spirit of Christmas came to us long ago, When in a humble manger, divine love began to glow. A baby born in Bethlehem, a gift from Heaven above, Sent by our gracious Father, a token of His love.
For those who seek and welcome Him within, The Holy Spirit of Christmas breaks the chain of sin. It lives within us daily, a light that never fades, Guiding, comforting, and strengthening in life’s trials and charades.
Oh, the Spirit of Christmas, pure and bright, Fills our hearts with hope, joy, and light. It whispers peace in the quiet of night, And shines through faith with heavenly might.
So let us honor the miracle of that sacred morn, When the Savior of the world to us was born. Through every season, let His Spirit remain, Living in our hearts, again and again.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It brings back Memories of yesteryear
The wonderful times when I was a kid
Mom and Dad kept me very near
Pressing my nose to the window pane, searching for a glimpse of the Red light
Seeing what I thought was the Star of Bethlehem Shining so Bright
I knew Santa’s first stop was Bethlehem
To bring gifts to the Great, I Am
The Love Santa has in His Heart for all the children in the world
Comes from his Maker above with His Love unfurled
Keep the Love of God and the Spirit of Santa close to you today
We bow our heads and thank Him for the Love He sent our way.
December 6, 2022
Mark Waldrop
Dogs die. But oh, how they live, Every moment, they have love to give. They bound through life, so brave and true, With hearts that shine in all they do.
They guard their homes, their chosen pack, With courage strong, they never look back. Their wagging tails, their playful cheer, Make every day feel bright and clear.
They don’t fear tomorrow, nor dwell on the past, They savor each moment, knowing it won’t last. They teach us joy, pure and unrefined, A lesson in living we often can’t find.
So, though dogs die, they leave us their light, A love eternal, a beacon so bright. For in their short lives, they show us the way, To live fully, to love, every single day.
In the glow of the twinkling holiday light, There are hearts cloaked in shadow, longing for night. For the laughter once shared, the love once near, Now echoes in memories, cherished yet clear.
Some face the first of the holidays alone, With aching hearts for the love that has flown. Others, the last, with each moment they hold, Precious as diamonds, more valuable than gold.
So as you revel in the season’s cheer, Pause for the silent, the grieving, the near. For joy’s bright mantle may not always show The weight of the burdens others may know.
Be kind in your words, be tender, be true, Give a smile, lend a hand, share what’s good in you. For a small spark of love, a moment of grace, Can light up the darkest, most sorrowful place.
This season of giving is more than a time, It’s a chance to heal wounds, to soothe and to climb. Together, through joy, through sorrow, we’ll find, The strength in compassion—the heart of mankind.
