Friday 18 December 2009

Let the Party begin!

(Byzantine Nativity 4-5th century CE

courtesy of Yahoo images)



'And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.' Luke 2.7


... and so the greatest story of all begins...

Welcome my dear friends!

Make yourself at home; how about some tea and biscuits? Or maybe some red wine and finger food? Let's turn the radio on; my favourite radio station plays Christmas songs all day long. Ready to share some Christmas joy and warm our hearts with happy thoughts?
Ok then. Let's have some fun!


This year more than ever


I've decided to focus on the true meaning of Christmas;

the one about love... hope... peace

in the world.

This has really warmed my heart

together with ...

...this poem


Letter to Santa

Snowflakes softly falling, upon your window they play
Your blankets snug around you, into sleep you drift away.
I bend to gently kiss you, when I see that on the floor
There's a letter, neatly written, I wonder who it’s for.

I quietly unfold it, making sure you're still asleep,
It's a Christmas list for Santa, one my heart will always keep.
It started just as always with the toys seen on TV,
A new watch for your father and a winter coat for me.

But as my eyes read on
I could see deep inside
there were many things you wished for
that your loving heart would hide.

You asked if your friend Molly could have another Dad;
It seems her father hits her, and it makes you very sad.
Then you asked dear Santa, if the neighbors down the street
Could find a job, that they might have some food, and clothes, and heat.

You saw a family on the news, whose house had blown away,
"Dear Santa, send them just one thing, a place where they can stay."
"And Santa, those four cookies that I left you for a treat,
Could you take them to the children who have nothing else to eat."

"Do you know that little bear I have, the one I love so dear?
I'm leaving it for you to take to Africa this year."
And as you fly your reindeer on this night of Jesus' birth,
Could your magic bring to everyone, Goodwill and Peace on Earth?"

"There's one last thing before you go, so grateful I would be,
If you'd smile at Baby Jesus in the manger by our tree."

I pulled the letter close to me, I felt it melt my heart.
Those tiny hands had written what no other could impart.
"And a little child shall lead them," was whispered in my ear
As I watched you sleep on Christmas Eve while Santa Claus was here.

...Christmas children's books scattered all over the place (literally!)

...Christmas cards from and to special friends

...a tiny hand putting an angel at the top of the Christmas tree

...going to church when it's still dark

... kissing my wonderful husband for his name-day

...listening to my lovely son telling me how lucky we are for what we have because there are children in the world who don't even have clean water

...driving to work, listening to Christmas songs while the sun has barely come up

...singing Christmas carols with my hubby and son at home, just the three of us, just because little one wanted to practise for his school play

... teaching my students more meaningful season's greetings than just "Merry Christmas"; they loved it yesterday when I told them about hope and peace and being grateful for all the blessings we have been given.

* * * * *

Thank you all for joining in and visiting;

sing all the beautiful Christmas songs (I love them all; really, I tried to think of a favourite but couldn't)

at the top of your voice

and make sure you make the people you love smile -

giving is so much more heart-warming than receiving!

xox

Yiota


PS. If you want to see who's here, at our little gathering, check my previous post.

15 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Lovely post Viota - how true too that we must all try and remember the true meaning of Christmas and not just get caught up in the commercialisation of it. Enjoy your party!

Jane x

Dawn said...

Hi Yiota! What a lovely poem. Yes, Christmas is the perfect time to tell your children all about the message of Jesus Christ, and even practice charity with them so they get to know what it is. I know I will do those things when I have my children.
This party is starting off beautifully....
xo

The 4 Bushel Farmgal said...

What an inspirational post! It's so easy to lose the real meaning of Christmas in the daily grind. Thank you for a beautiful reminder.

Around the hook said...

Nice post!

I hoped to have time doing something longer on my side, but just didn't manage it!

Have a lovely christmas blog day! Oh I don't mind a cuppa! :-)

XXX

Unknown said...

Very lovely! Beautiful idea for a Christmas blog party! Gorgeous!

MYstory of HIStory said...

Oh - what a beautiful poem. Just SO tender & sweet. Thank you for your hospitality here. The time I spent here this morning was truly heartwarming & I'm so glad I stopped in:) Christmas Blessings to you, Yiota

rockinloubylou said...

Wiping a tear from my eye! I had to wipe another away a few minutes ago when my daughter showed me a "movie" she'd made of the nativity. She'd drawn various scenes on bits of paper and then narrated the story in such reverent tones! So cute.
Happy Christmas, and thanks for organising this blog party. I'm toasting you in virtual champagne.
Louise

Lucy Caitlin Higham said...

Had my lovely warm hot chocolate and a piece of cake :) School ended today for christmas and the day ended with a wonderful party. The snow outside has helped the house feel even more cosy. Lovely poem.
Lucy xx

Sherry said...

Yiota, thank you so much for putting this lovely party together and bringing people around the globe into "one place". I love the letter to Santa. I love that you are teaching children -- not just your own -- others what this season is all about...about joy, and hope and blessings.

Wishing you the most magical Christmas season!

Kimbles said...

What a heart warming post Yiota. Thank you for organising the blog party! Have a great Christmas Kim

warriormom said...

Computers been ill and out of commission so I missed joining the party, but I've been enjoying the day finding moments to pop in and visit here and there. What a great idea you and Lupines had, and hats off to you both for putting it together, such great hostesses! Thank you for the Letter to Santa, draws us back into focus.

Joy said...

Very nice and thoughtful, and a good reminder to all of the blessings we have. I am thankful to the Lord for all He has given me and that He died so I could have eternal life. Merry Christmas!

Claudia Medeiros said...

God bless your Christmas, dear friend :)

I wish you and your whole family a wonderful and so blessed Christmas and a successful 2010 full of happiness, love, peace, hope and health ... and all the good things life can allow you :)

Kisses in your heart :) :) :)

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

One word, yiota: HEARTWARMING.

Utterly heartwarming. I loved every word of this post! This is my kind of party. Such a depth and beauty. I love the thought of three beautiful, warm-hearted people sitting in a snug little home across the ocean singin Christmas carols together!

I didn't get to stop by yesterday... I made only 4 stops at the party before my computer gave me a notice that my security system expired... YESTERDAY OF ALL DAYS!!! So, having had a computer crash before from such things, I was nervous about staying online and had to install a new one before I could continue!

Just makes the party last longer :)

It looks like this was a hit! I know I've had and am still having such a good time! Thanks for being my party-planning partner!

Happy@Home said...

What a lovely party you are hosting, Yiota.
The poem you shared is so touching and really puts it all into perspective.
How sweet to read about your special Christmas moments with your family and students. I am totally with you on the Christmas music. I have been listening to the satellite radio channel all season and find it to be so cheerful and uplifting.

I'm wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.