We always met at our grade school on an often snowy Christmas Eve,
anticipating the gifts back home that we knew we would receive.

But thoughts, really, were on the Lord Jesus and the amazing story
that we would be telling of God sending us His Son amidst angelic glory.

We each had a part we had practiced for the yearly Christmas Eve service–
those who may have had a bigger role were sometimes a little bit nervous.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, though, but so respectful of the divine–
at my church very many years ago, these Christmas memories of mine.

We stepped outside the school and crossed over the connecting street
to the large decorated church sanctuary where everyone would meet.

To us children, the lights and nativity were always greatly impressive.
Beautifully-ornamented, tall Christmas trees made the night so festive.

Boys wearing new suits and ties…

“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs,
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”

Isaiah 40:11

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
An angel appeared, and God’s glory shone bright.
The angel told the shepherds to not be afraid
Since a proclamation of great joy was being made!
A Savior for all people was born, who was Christ the Lord!
And then more angels praised God for the Baby adored.
Straightway to Bethlehem the shepherds went
To see this One Whom God had sent.
To everyone they saw, they made known what was told
Of God’s gift, Who was cut from the shepherd’s mold.
He would have a flock–the Good Shepherd He would be-
He would die for that flock, both for you and for me.
To rescue and die for the lambs–no greater…

Joseph, a son of David, took Mary for his wife,
Believing she was carrying God’s very sacred life.
Joseph stood by her when others may have condemned.
Joseph believed God when they didn’t comprehend.
He was chosen by God, and it was to him that Mary and the Child were sent.
He became the protector of God’s great intent.
Joseph was quick to recognize that in dreams God often spoke,
With messages from His angel, and he obeyed when he awoke.
Joseph named the baby, Jesus, just as he’d been told,
For He would save His people from sins as said by the prophet of old.
In obedience, Joseph went to Egypt–“Out of Egypt did I call My Son.”
Joseph had them stay until God said their time there was done.
We see him obeying God in Bible scene after scene;
Being warned of God, he went to Nazareth, so…

Mary changed the course of this entire earth,
By accepting God’s plan for the virgin birth.
Her agreement with the angel’s words affirmed God’s will,
And the words that she spoke are often quoted still.
She declared herself to be God’s handmaid or servant;
In her, the Lord had found a heart that was fervent.
She had faith the Lord loved her and all of mankind;
She trusted in God’s heart and not her own mind.
She was just a young woman of a tender age,
But she stepped out in faith onto the world’s center stage.
Though startled at first by the angelic visitation,
Her faith in God was strong enough to take up her station.
Likewise, it’s wise today to ask the Lord to help us find
The plans and purposes for our lives that He has in mind.
By doing so, we ensure that we’re on His…

Photo by Jim Sorbie

…A seasonal poem telling a story of a Christmastime visit–northern relatives visiting family in the southern U.S…. They appreciate some brisk weather for a southern state as it reminds them of home.  They shop for gifts and then take in an outdoor Christmas lighting display at a local church, where their attention turns to the most perfect gift of all.

A special time, pure white snowflakes,
Drifting down upon the roofs–
Moonlight reflecting on glistening snow blankets,
Years ago sleighs and horses hoofs…

Yet further south where palm trees stand,
It’s not so cold this time of year.
But some nights can get brisk and that’s all the better
To spread the feeling of Christmas cheer…

We’ve shopped for gifts
For this time of giving and receiving,
And have wrapped them quickly before they were seen.
Each one will be perfect, we’re hoping, believing…

The bustle of shops seems…