From Pastor Don

A few years ago Kathy and I were to travel by automobile for most of Christmas Day as we were taking some vacation time after Christmas.  In our haste to leave after a short night after Christmas Eve Services we forgot to take the Christmas CDs that we plan to listen to on the trip.  When we discovered this we said, “No problem, we can find some Christmas music on the radio.”  Well we did, but it was not what we wanted to hear.  It seemed that every radio station was set to play mostly the songs that made fun of the Christmas season.  We could not find a single station that was playing   Christmas carols or even Handel’s Messiah.  This did make the trip seem longer than it was.

Yes, I do prefer the traditional carols of Christmas.  However, one of the newer songs of Christmas that I really enjoy is The Jesus Gift, written by Gilbert M. Martin.  It has a very calming melody and the words remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.  It also reminds if we honor the birth of Christ we can have the true joy and peace of Christmas without all consumerism that often surrounds this season.  Following are some of the lyrics from this song:

“Simplest of gifts; Gentlest of hearts;  Kindness He'll use as He leads; So give him these gifts, Hand Him your heart, Honor His birth and you'll need no; Emeralds nor rubies, Silver nor gold, Neither bright diamonds, White hard, bright cold; Spangle not rich jewels Like stars above, You'll have laughter, Sweet peace filled laughter, Simple warm laughter and love.”

Honor Christ birth in your songs, worship and relationships with others this holiday season and may you discover the true gift love and laughter.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas,  Pastor Don