“Does your family have any plans for Christmas?”

“Well, this year my parents are taking my brother and sister and me to visit our grandparents in Florida.”

“Ooo, Florida!”

“Yeah, no fear of getting snowed in out there! How about you guys? Any plans or traditions you’re looking forward to?”

“My family always goes to look at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve and then we decorate cookies together.”

“Aww, sweet!”

“Yeah, it’s my favorite tradition.”

“How about you?”

“Nothing special this year. Just enjoying time with my family.”

Caleb bounded down the hallway, giggling as his ball rolled to the top of the staircase. It teetered for a moment, then slipped over the edge and bounced away. The boy charged after the stray toy and scooped it up, narrowly avoiding a collision with the wall and another orphan boy.

Excitement fills
Each heart until
The day of Christmas arrives.
The hope of seeing
Family
This thought our hearts now drives:
Prepare for that day
Be merry and gay
Despite the grey outside.
Cook and bake
And frost the cake
Each present make with pride.
But always remember
This month of December
Is not about family members
It’s not about gifts
Or buying from thrifts
With money saved up since November.
We often forget
And have this mindset,

King of my heart, and sweet Savior of my soul
This time of year to me will never grow old
From birth, to death, to resurrection in glory
Our Lord gave to us the most beautiful story
In death brought us life and healing from above
The thorns in His crown were a testament of love
My sins sat upon His shoulders; such heavy load
While in my heart His perfect righteousness abode
Though my telling of salvation is weak at its best
I'm thankful for a King who in love gives us rest
Because of His gift in taking from us our fear

* Pre note: I actually started writing this at the start of December...maybe even before...

Hey Guys!

Christmas is coming up fast, isn’t it? Over here, it’s known as the ‘silly season’. Hence the title.

For most of you, the anticipation of the season includes hot drinks, cosy jumpers (sweaters, whatever) and snuggling up with a good book. For me, it means turning on the air conditioner, making cold snacks and figuring out how to not sweat my clothes in public (or at home, for that matter).

It was a cold Christmas Eve that brought Santa to a standstill in the middle of Texas. Rudolph had a bad cold and though his nose glowed brighter with each sneeze, he chose to remain home. So Santa was on his own this foggy wintry night, and he had no idea where he was. The snow crystals were dancing about and sticking in his snow white beard. He came to a stop at a brick house to let the reindeer rest and to get his bearings.

As Christmas draws nearer and the weather gets colder, I contemplate on what the season means. To some people it means presents from Santa, reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas", singing "carols" like "Baby it's Cold Outside" "Winter Wonderland" "Jingle Bells" "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Raindeer" "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" and many more. To others it means flying to Grandma and Grandpa's place for some homemade pumpkin pie, roasted turkey, stuffing, ham, and mashed potatoes.

It has come to that time of year again when my sisters play the carols over and over and over again with no mercy.

It is also that time of year when there seems to be round after round of Christmas work parties, or end-of-year celebrations.

…and of course, the pretty Christmas lights and decorations. And carols. Bring on the carols!

world of white:
white sky
white ground
white whirling through the air
white noise

trees, houses, cars
sprout from the crystal earth
muddy tracks
mar the pristine beauty
poofy coats tuck in their chins
and hurry on

sun sets
moon rises
sparkling beauty returns
deep blue sky
studded with stars
invisible obstructions
coated with glitter
artificial lights
rising heavenward
in golden spirals

beautiful world

A late Christmas poem! Comments make my day :)
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Child of Promise

Tiny body wrapped in rags
New pink flesh poked with hay
Innocent baby
My newborn messiah

Welcomed by a lowing cow
Announced by a choir of angels
Desolate child
The sacrificial lamb

Two frightened parents all alone
Thoughts and dreams, vows to keep
Firstborn son
Prince of Peace

Future grim, yet so bright
Prophesied pain and indescribable love
Infant King
God of all