CHRISTMAS STORY

CHRISTMAS STORY

I lie in the grass, watching clouds roll by
As laughter fills my ear I close my eye
Returning to an age of innocence again
The forgotten time, the remember when

It was the time of year when hope filled my heart
The itch of anticipation that nearly tore me apart
The Holiday sounds, smells, and sight!
I couldn't wait for Christmas one more night!

My mom would sit us down
At the table we'd gather round
The tree was set, stocking hung
On the radio carols were sung

In a whispered breath she'd start the tale
About the Baby Jesus we knew so well
She opened the Bible, and we'd bow our heads
She'd tell the story,this is what she said

" On that first Christmas,  many years ago
Joseph and Mary, to Bethlehem go
But the city was full of many strangers
They only found a stable,  with a smelly manger"

"The night was cold, as the world held its breath
Waiting for the Light to break the bonds of death
And that new Life God sent to us
In the tiny baby, our Lord Jesus "

"Here was a child, born a King
Born humble, He had not a thing
The Son of God,  to men a stranger
The precious child lay in the manger"

"But if man knew Him not
He still was not forgot
God's own Angels attend His birth
'Goodwill to men! Peace on earth!'"

"Our great King was worshipped that night
By poor shepherds who saw the sight
Of Angels in the sky proclaiming Christ
Who would save us all by His sacrifice "

"Above His tiny head a star appears
Lighting the Lord who soothes our fears
Guiding the wise from lands so far
Distant Travellers,  led by a star"

"Never forget children," she said when she was done
"The greatest gift tonight is God's own Son
That little child is alive still today
Let's thank Him tonight as we pray"

Then we'd rush up the stairs,  crawl into bed
With that story running through our head
And every Christmas Eve I'd gaze so high
Trying to find that Christmas Star in the sky

Ever year I was so sure I saw that star
More than reindeer I'd look so hard
Each time I thought I saw it I'd pray
" Thank you Jesus for being born on Christmas Day "
AMEN