The Gift of Christmas

Christmas comes faster every year.

Just after Thanksgiving, holiday music is all we hear.

Bright colored paper, tinsel and snow,

Candles are lit, giving a soft, Christmas glow.

Holidays shoppers fill up the shops.

They’re running around making all the necessary stops.

Children are sitting on Santa Claus’s lap,

As their parents stand watching, desperately wanting a nap.

But is this what Christmas is really about?

Do we have to be nice and not cry or pout?

Is Santa the real thing or is there something better?

Santa may give us toys, but God gave us something greater.

He gave us His Son on that Christmas day.

Born in a stable in a manger of hay.

This tiny little baby saved us all,

Now isn’t that better than some new rag doll?

This gift of eternal life is the greatest gift ever.

Now let us celebrate Christmas like we have never.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Christmas Check List

Christmas comes by so fast that we often forget to sit back and enjoy the wonderful season. I composed of a list of things to do this Christmas so that we make sure to enjoy every bit of it!

*   Invite some friends over and make Christmas cards.

*   Volunteer at an animal shelter or food pantry.

*   Grab your camera and capture every bit of your Christmas holiday.

*   Invite the shy girl from your church/school out for coffee.

*   Read “The Christmas Bus” by Melody Carlson.

*   Write God a letter thanking Him for everything He has given you instead of writing a letter to Santa asking him for things.

*   Give everyone in your youth group a candy cane.

*   Get cozy in a warm sweater and enjoy your favorite treat or beverage.

*   Read Luke 2 and remember what to true meaning of Christmas is about.

*   Make a pie or baked goodies and give it to a family in need.

  

Have a very Merry Christmas!

I Love You

So....just a real quick thought:

Today in church, my pastor said something that really made me stop and think. He has been going through the attributes of God, and he was "surveying" God's love; basically reminding everyone of the truths that we often forget. He asked us: "If God loved us as much as we love God, where would we be?" Wow! That made us stop and think....often we may think that we love God "enough", but put this way, it's a whole different story! I definitely would be in a bad place if God loved me the way I love Him! Let's all take this to heart and redouble our efforts to put God first in our lives.

Also...as we approach the holidays, we all know about Samaritan's Purse. In addition to the shoeboxes, you can donate different amounts of money for various gifts. They range from teddy bears to clean wells. I personally am sending money for medical supplies. I think it would be great for everyone to consider supporting them and focusing on the real reason for Christmas!

~Megan


Megan Brainerd, from New York, is a busy nursing student who loves to hang out with her friends, read, and play the piano :) Her email is piano93@verizon.net.