Instilling in my children the true meaning of Christmas has always been the most important part of Christmas for us. We have several traditions that we’ve created over the years to make sure that Christ is the most important part of our Christmas.
One of the things that we do immediately after Thanksgiving, is decorate our tree and place a small, wooden, cradle under it. Throughout the Christmas season our family earns a small handful of hay, to place in the cradle, by doing random acts of kindness. The goal is to overfill the cradle with hay by Christmas Eve so that it is comfortable enough to lay baby Jesus. Then on Christmas Eve, before laying baby Jesus in his cradle we read The Christmas Story
(retold by Deborah Hautzig) and The Christmas Crib That Zack Built
Last week I received the following poem, from my aunt, in a Christmas card. I was so moved by the words, as were others that I’ve read it to, that I’ve decided to add it as a new Christmas tradition.
‘Twas the Night Jesus Came
‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house
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| Picture from: EMOAF |
Not a person was praying, not one in the house.
The Bibles were left on the shelf without care,
For no one thought that Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once even kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby in her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and lifted the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
The light of His face made me cover my head –
It was Jesus returning, just as He said,
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book Of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, “It’s not here” my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
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| Picture from: Christianity-A Way of Life |
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I’d know that this was the night!
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all.
Searching for beauty and find hope
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014! Hugs from Spain. Leovi.
This was passed among us who worked in HOSPICE HOME CARE, it was given to all of us FIELD workers to share with our patients as we saw fit. As a HOME health aide I used it many times , I have been disabled since 2009 and had forgotten a out it. My mother passed over MARCH 31 2017, I am still going through her things a d came across the copy of the poem I had sent to her from ARIZONA. My mom was a believer but we both thought it was a beautiful poem with a just meaning. My curiosity brought to my tablet to find an author, but alas there doesnt seem to be one. My only copy is torn a d worn i was so glad to find it again. My copy also a picture of JESUS with his hands held up. I no longer have a printer or even a computer but would love to have a another more permanent copy made.