CHRISTMAS
THOUGHTS
Christmas
time is carol time. There are many lovely carols, and we all have
our favourites. One of the most delightful begins
I
saw three ships come sailing by.
It makes
a pretty picture, and one to kindle the imagination, for there are three
ships which have a real significance for us at this season.
The
best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is a Happy
Christmas
began in the heart of God; it is complete only
Christmas
is a joyous day for children. For parents peace
" When
Christmas is over," said a store manager to a Minister,
After
the Sunday School had sung Silent Night and had been told the Christmas
story the teacher suggested that her pupils draw the
A little
boy in a Christmas programme had only one line to say.
What
do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging
The three
stages of man:
A little
child, a shining star,
What
is Christmas? Is it just a day at the end of the year,
Background
setting made by
using
Some
articles from
On
Christmas Day in the morning.
One
is wor-ship, most definitely a Christmas ship. In writing of the
first Christmas St Matthew mentioned it: "And when they were come into
the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down
and worshipped Him."
Another
ship that comes sailing in at Christmas is friend-ship. For
this is a time when we think of our friends and send greetings to
those who live at a distance.
The
third ship is steward-ship. A steward is one who is trusted to serve.
Serving
was
something that He who came at Christmas was most emphatic about.
May
these three ships come sailing into your hearts and homes this Christmas,
bringing their precious gifts of joy and peace.
family
all wrapped up in each other.
when
it reaches the heart of man.
comes
several days later when all the batteries wear out.
" it's
over, and it's my job to rid this store completely of
Christmas
in a day." " Well," said the Minister, " I have a bigger
job;
to keep Christmas in the hearts of people for the rest
of their
lives."
Nativity
Scene. A little boy finished first. The teacher praised his
drawing of the manger, Joseph and Mary and the infant, but she was puzzled
by the roly poly figure off to one side and asked who it was. " Oh, " exclaimed
the youngster," that's round John Virgin."
" Behold,
I bring you good tidings." After the rehearsal he asked his mother
what 'tidings' meant and she told him it meant news.
When
the programme was put on, he was stage struck and forgot
his
line. Finally, the idea came back to him and he cried out,
" Hey,
I've got news for you."
about
their games in a hotel lobby?
Chess
nuts boasting in an open foyer!
He believes
in Santa Claus.
He doesn't
believe in Santa Claus.
He is
Santa Claus.
A stable
rough, the door ajar,
Yet
in
that place, so crude, forlorn,
The
hope of all the world was born.
A season
of joy, merry making and cheer,
Is it
people and presents and glittering trees?
Ah no,
it is more than any if these.
For
under the tinsel and hidden from sight,
Is the
promise and meaning of that first Christmas night,
When
the shepherds stood in wondering awe,
And
felt transformed by what they saw.
So let
us not in our search for pleasure.
Forget
our right to this priceless treasure.
For
Christmas is still a God given day,
And
let us remember to keep it that way.
"I Like
That"
by Peter
Sumner.