(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.
