The True Meaning of Christmas by Joyce Schafer

I love Christmas. I love the shopping, the baking, the decorations, the music, the school programs, the parties, and especially our Christmas Eve family gathering.

It is so easy to get caught up in the season and forget the true meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus. We all know the story about Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem and Jesus being born in a stable. How does Jesus being born so many years ago affect mankind today? He was born and later died so that our sins could be forgiven. Our age, our circumstances or how many sins we have committed in the past does not matter. Jesus was born and died for us.

God wants to be Our Father and he wants to give us the gift of Eternal Life. What better time than Christmas to make this happen?

The Light of the World by Tana LeMay

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Matthew 2: 1-2, 9-11)

I find the nighttime sky so amazing and so vast with all its stars. I could gaze at them for hours. There are so many. And yet, the Magi, or wise men, knew which single star to follow to find Jesus. It had to have been brighter and bigger than all the other stars in the sky at that time. The journey of the Magi took them a long time, many months, and the star remained before them, guiding their path. I wonder if the sky was ever covered by clouds, which obscured the star? Did they ever get lost on this journey and have to search for the star? Where is the star now? Did it disappear after the Magi found Jesus?

Fortunately, the miracle of the first Christmas is still with us. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:9) That light is Jesus. The star the Magi followed is no longer needed, thanks to the gift of God’s son. He wants to be your guiding star. If you ask, He will provide hope and direction as you travel through this life’s journey. If you ask, He will shine His light on you and through you. That is my prayer for you. Merry Christmas!

An Advent Life by Tana Lemay

“The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is to never forget the presence of Christ.”
-William Barclay

Have you ever noticed how Mark’s sermons coincide, or bump up against something that is going on your life? Sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise affirming that I’m on the right track. Other times it is a very uncomfortable poke in the arm; a reminder of areas in my life needing attention.

When the Write Sisters decided to dedicate this newsletter’s writings to Christmas, I started looking for quotes related to Christmas and stumbled upon this one under the heading “Advent”. Dictionary.com defines advent as an arrival or coming; momentous, of importance; the second coming of Christ.

In most Christian homes, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. Some families follow the tradition of an advent calendar, opening a window on the calendar each day revealing a picture or item related to the Christmas season, leading up to the baby Jesus on Christmas day.

This is where Mark’s recent sermons come in to play. Recently he has challenged us to live each day as if it’s the day Jesus will return. Live our lives as an advent calendar. Presented each day is a window of opportunity to live for Christ, in His image. Easy to do? Absolutely not. At least not on our own. But with Jesus, the possibilities are endless.

THE REAL GIFT by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I want to tell you a story that is priceless and old,
A story prophets of old, wondrously foretold.
Gabriel, an angel of God, brought Mary the news,
She was the one our Father was so careful to choose.
Her questions were many, but she didn't inquire,
Wishing only to do what the Lord would desire.
To Joseph...how could she possibly explain ?
Her family and friends...what about gossip and shame ?
Faithfully, she trusted and was wonderfully blessed.
Always knowing in her heart......His will is best !
As Mary and Joseph returned to the place of their birth
A multitude of angels stood watchful guard on Earth
A humble servant of God to behold,
As the magnitude of His love was about to unfold.
Walking all day, over a rough and dangerous road
Or on the back of a donkey, she was a treasured load.
Weary from traveling all day long...
...Birth pains were coming fast and strong.
I'm sure she was a radiant, beautiful sight,
As she prepared for that very first Christmas night.
The Inn was full, there was simply no room...
But the Baby would be coming very soon !!
Imagine Joseph's panic, as he pleaded for his wife,
And the approaching birth of this precious little life.
Jesus was born in a small, dimly lit stable.
The birth of our Savior...it's not a holiday fable !!!!
There were no jewels or fine cloth for Him to wear,
But blanketed with love, and hope to share.
Hovering all around, were the angels of the Lord
Rejoicing the birth of One so adored.
Iluminating the sky, with each shimmering wing,
Now, our voices should echo the praises they sing.
Even the animals had watched and anxiously waited
And joined with the angels as they celebrated.
Ponder the true meaning of this season
...The birth of Christ is the only reason.
Take a moment to bow and pray....
Praise God for the real gift of Christmas day.

CHRISTMAS EVE - Donna (Ensign) Woods

On your way to a Christmas Eve celebration,
You stop by a lonely gas station.
Twinkling lights reflect on snow covered ground,
It's the only thing open for miles around.
You hurry inside...you're running late,
Don't want to make the guests all wait!
The attendant wipes a tear from her eye,
You can only guess what makes her cry...
On the back counter is a photograph,
Of two small children with eyes that laugh.
The reason she cries is now crystal clear,
She longs to be with them...but has to be here!
A single mom works late on Christmas Eve
...The gifts a few, that Santa will leave...
A gift from you could give her hope,
As she desperately struggles to cope.
Be prepared for a time like this...
A chance to witness, you don't want to miss.
Pretend your wallet is in the car,
Let the love of Christ be a shining star.
A little cash in a Christmas card...
It's really not that hard.
Don't sign your name...
Just give the Lord all glory and fame.
Hand it to her... and walk away
Secretly bless her on this wondrous day.
As she reads the words,"I'm praying for you"
"God bless you and your children too"
Your car's long gone, as she cried...
Holding the "hope" you tucked inside.

This is just a little story...but it is also meant to be a reality check for all of us, as we enter into the holiday season. This Christmas is going to be tough for a great many people all over this country.

Children of single parents often suffer the most...as the parent has to choose between spending precious time with their children... or feeding them and keeping the heat on.....
....I remember.....

I pray we will all keep our eyes and ears open....as well as
our hearts, as the Holy Spirit places people and
situations in our paths.