The Stork

The Stork, she rose on Christmas Eve And said unto her brood, "I now must fare to Bethlehem To view the Son of God." She gave to each his dole of meat, She stowed them fairly in, And fair she flew and fast she flew, And came to Bethlehem. "Now where is He of David's line?" She asked at house and hall, "He is not here," they spake hardly, "But in the manger stall." She found Him in the manger stall With that most holy maid; The gentle Stork, she wept to see The Lord so rudely laid. Then from her panting breast she plucked The feathers white and warm; She strewed them in the manger bed To keep the Lord from harm. Now blessed be the gentle Stork Forever more quoth He, For that she saw my sad estate, And showed pity. Full welcome shall she ever be In hamlet and in hall, And called henceforth the Blessed Bird And friend of babies all. ~ Author Unknown ~ Legend Of The Stork Storks have been revered on Christmas for the exemplary deed of compassion that one of their kind did for infant Jesus. When all the animals came to see infant Jesus, all they could do was remain in awe and bow down to pay respect. However, when the stork arrived, it was pained to see Jesus lying on a hard bed with no pillow. The compassionate bird could not stand the sight and immediately pulled out its feathers to make a soft and comfortable bed for infant Jesus. The stork then went on to pull more of its feathers to make a soft pillow for baby Jesus to place his head on. It is for this reason that the bird stork is held in very high regard during Christmas holiday. It even makes an appearance in baby showers and has universally come to be known as the 'Patron of Babies'. Thanks For Visiting

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with strands of twinkly lights and shiny balls but do not show love to my family, I am just a decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies and arranging on a beautifully adorned table but do not share the true meaning of Christmas, I am just another cook.

If I volunteer at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and donate to charity but do not demonstrate simple kindness to strangers, it profits me nothing.

If I attend holiday parties but do not go to church, I have missed the point.

Love stops cooking to hug a child.

Love sets aside decorating to kiss a spouse.

Love is kind during the holidays though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china, perfectly strung outdoor lights, or a flawless tree.

Love doesn’t ask family to get out of the way but is thankful they are in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return or those on our lists, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t and those who aren’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails, even at Christmas.

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Secrets Of Christmas

"Mr. and Mrs. Claus, © 2005-2007 Susan Comish Gallery I think the happiest time of the year Surely is Christmas with all of it's cheer. Listening to carols as their being sung Hearing sleigh bells as they gaily are rung. Children with innocent eyes, all aglow; All bundled up, to play in the snow. Hoping to see Santa on Christmas night; That jolly old fellow, in crimson and white. Shoppers with packages under their arm Hurrying home where the fire is warm; Hiding the gifts so no one can see; Keeping secrets, trimming the tree. Bows on the puppy; bells on the cat; Grandpa is sporting a red and white hat; Grandma is knitting a holiday vest; All of the children behaving their best. Secrets of Christmas, they think I don't know How Santa gets here, through all of the snow. So I shan't tell them; wont spoil their intentions; But Santa's wife comes along to give him directions!   Toni Britton (The Calico's Mom) Nov. 5, 2001 Thanks For Visiting

A Soldier's Christmas

Somewhere under this same sky, Far away in a foreign land. A dedicated soldier fights, Abiding to military command. Where death is true reality, And his own life is at stake. Fighting there for freedom, For another country's sake. He puts up a brave front, Though he's filled with fear. The face of death that lies before him, Is unbelievably vivid and so clear. Seeing and doing things, That he will never forget. Out of his sense of duty, With his own sanity at threat. Yet with a watchful eye, He loyally stands at guard. His once lively spirit broken, And his soul forever scarred. He has freely chosen this life, And he holds no regret. Stealing along through the night, Is his darkened silhouette. He fights for the freedom of others, With honour and with pride. A volunteer for humanity, Putting his own life aside. Trying to stay alive and safe, In fox holes of sand. As the terrorizing sounds of war, Echo loudly across foreign land. With dirt upon his face, And sometimes little to eat. Where sleep is a luxury, And him so weary and beat. Back at home is his mother Who fears for his life. Not wanting for her son, All the terror, turmoil and strife. On Christmas day at home, There will be an empty chair. One less plate setting, And fingerprint less shining silverware. With her head bowed loyally, His mother will say a prayer. To ask her son to come back home, She knows to him would be unfair. She'll pray for his safety, As well as all the others. Be it someone else's sons and daughters, Fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. For she knows all too well, Of the heartache, pain and sorrow. Wondering if their loved ones, Will live to see tomorrow. Her heart will be heavily burdened, And sadness will set in. She'll put up a brave face, And she'll manage a lifeless grin. Far away in a foreign land, A soldier's tears silently fall. All the joyous past Christmases, With a heavy heart he does recall. Please Father he prays, Take care of my family and friends. And help them understand, That I'll be home when this war ends. This is where I am needed most, And this is where I must be. So all the men, women and children, Can be safe and live free. I don't know what lies before me, My future is unknown. If I must die I ask Dear Father, Please be there, Don't let me die alone. Elizabeth Ann Bushey November ~ 24 ~ 2006 E-mail Thanks For Visiting

A Soldier's Letter Home

Hello Mom, As things right now are quiet the night air still 'n calm thought I'd write a letter to say hello, I'm fine Ya know, its kinda funny these mem'ries of my mind tiptoeing through the conscience pausing, time to time Remem'bring as a young boy how much I loved the sand but, never once imagining I'd fight on desert lands My friends 'n I would giggle while playing, having fun had not a care, 'nor worry when each day was done Can you recall the teardrops when falls would bruise my knee? 'n how you made things better with all your love for me? Mom, my heart is hurting I wonder will this end? Prayers for peace 'n harmony that differences will mend Looking back, reflecting on times that I could smile trying hard to grasp them now, vacant for awhile Mom, I really miss you the comfort of our home comrades right beside me yet, I feel alone The bloodshed never ending with sands a flowing red numbers keep on rising for all of those now dead Instead of playing cowboys as in the days of yore this fight is real, uncertain everyday, more gore I hear the cries of children their faces looking sad thankful for my childhood the happiness I had The Christmas spirit absent they'll be no loved ones near stopping now, reflecting on laughter, Christmas cheer Imagination leapfrogs to tree lights all aglow stockings on the mantle blankets of white snow How is Dad? my sister? gosh, I miss them too long nights of conversation movies on the tube Can't wait to see the baby my faithful, loving wife soon we'll be together building a new life Yes, home is where my heart is but, I've still a job to do my love of God and country I Pray will see me through Well guess I should get going as morning's drawing near but needed to say, 'I love You' 'tween each salty tear Funny how the yesteryears 'n morrows still unknown make me think, remember wishing I were home.... I love you, Mom Merry Christmas! 2006 Rose Marie Streeter

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Keeping Watch At Christmas

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' 'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, -That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers. My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall." "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." 'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, 'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, 'Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us." Author Michael Marks Thanks For Visiting

Christmas In America

It's Christmas in America There's carols in the air The snow is falling on the ground There's holly everywhere The people they're all different too Their troubles put aside They smile a little brighter It seems at Christmas time It's Christmas in America Let the angels sing It's Christmas in America Let freedom ring Let peace resound throughout the world Especially on this day It's Christmas in America God bless the USA The kids get so excited Preparing for the day Their letters to Santa have all been sent The cookies have been baked The creche under the Christmas tree Awaits the baby child It seems to mean so much more this year Than it has in a while Because it's Christmas in America Let the angels sing It's Christmas in America Let freedom ring Let peace resound throughout the world Especially on this day It's Christmas in America God bless the USA So keep your babies close tonight Hug your husband, kiss your wife Be thankful for this way of life We're fortunate to share And not forget the ones we've lost Their memory lives on in our hearts They'll be forever in our thoughts And always in our prayers Unto this world a child is born His gift was meant for everyone The light of peace shines on and on And never fades away America, America indivisible we are One nation under God And that will never change Because it's Christmas in America Let the angels sing It's Christmas in America Let freedom ring Let peace resound throughout the world Especially on this day It's Christmas in America God bless the USA It's Christmas in America GOD BLESS THE USA! ~ Author Unknown ~ Thanks For Visiting

Until You Return

This is for the men and women Who will be far away, Who stand in fields of battle And celebrate Christmas Day. Their hearts are sad and lonely And if wishes could come true They would be home for Christmas To celebrate with you. They serve their Country well, And in God they put their trust, While we have trees and tinsel, They have sand and dust. In their minds they picture you Doing traditional things, They send their love to you ~ It comes on Angel wings. It matters not whether we agree With the reasons for a war, The fact is this Christmas time, They are far away once more. Oh how nice to welcome them If they could knock on our door, I know we would make a promise To love them even more. Every Soldier's Mother Is wishing for the same, The hopes, the dreams and fears, The only difference is the name. The Soldier’s children play, And every son and daughter Just wishes this Christmas Day They could hear familiar laughter. The husbands and the wives Who wait and try to smile, Know the pain of loneliness As they travel on each mile. So to each of you I send my love, And with my hear's yearning ~ Until you come home to us This candle will be burning. Linda J. Vaughan

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Praying For You Daddy

Daddy, I'm praying for you. Mommy, I know you are praying too, For Daddy to be home for Christmas, We miss him so, if he only knew. Iraq seems so far away, And Christmas seems so near. Daddy is more precious than presents, His coming home would be so dear. Although the tree star will be shining, And Christmas lights all aglow, It's daddy I want to be here, He loves me lots, I know. I have made a present for him, It is one of a kind, Some of the pages are stained, With lonesome teardrops of mine. But I know he won't mind the stains, For he will hold the booklet close, And read it when he can, Then he will know who we love most. Each day I drew him a picture, Or wrote some on a page. My vocabulary is small, Because of my young age. But daddy will understand, Daddies are just that way. They read with their heart, No matter what the words say. I've bound the pages with love, And glued them together the best that I can. I hope it doesn't come apart, It seems so long ago, since I first began. The booklet holds my heart as I tell him, How lonely days sometimes are while he's away, And how I miss our fun times, When we all would run and play. Dear Jesus, I know You can hear me. I know You can make a way, Till daddy can be home, With mommy and me on Christmas Day. One more thing, Jesus, Before I have to go, You know daddy is in the desert land, When he's home for Christmas, Please let it snow. Here are hugs and kisses for You, xo ~ xo ~ xo, Please send some of them to dad, And God bless all the soldiers, I love you, Jesus! From your friend, your little lad. Danna Marie Robinette E-mail

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Christmas Bow For My Soldier

Our yellow ribbon has faded, so we tied a new one tight A bold symbol to represent your spirit glowing with Christmas light, It's color reminds us of all you are going through And your heart of love that beats for what is true. More than ever at Christmas, we do want you... to come home to stay, But as God has another plan, we'll try hard to be brave on this special day. Oh how so dearly we wish... you were with us here, Home in our hearts, forever near. How much we want to hold you... close and never let you go, To keep you from harm, no more suffering to know. We are praying angel comfort for you in all your pain, So you will feel the peace of Christmas instead of chilling rain. For, you have such courage... brave loyalty in your heart, A call to be a blessing where you are, that keeps us apart. So, while we'll miss you so... our hearts also beat with pride, As we celebrate yuletide this year, without you by our side. But, in spirit you are here... just as if you never went away, For the Christmas love we share, means you will be with us on our day. Close forever, never to part... held together for the same arms, Up-hold us, as the ones that keep your soul from harm. Each day we wake and pray God your heart to keep, And may you dream many sweet memories as you sleep, While you lay beneath the shining stars above, Surrounded by eternal love. God brought you into His world so long ago, For you to set others free from the tyranny of the foe, You go forth every day, with your life to give. That precious little ones may come to know truth and be free to live. We send you our blessing, we send you our Christmas love If somehow our wishes can bring you light from above, To surround your heart with that first Christmas joy and peace, So that little boy delight will never cease. The color of your life will never fade, your rich beauty is tied in place and your light will glow forever... for in our heart, we see your face. Soft Whispers from - Derry's Heart Poems 2003 used with permission Thanks For Visiting

Keep The Home Fires Burning

In times of war and turmoil In places far away Our hearts are joined in unison With love we send your way We keep the fires burning Within our homes and hearts For every day's a precious one Although we're far apart Each day as you awaken Upon a foreign soil We think about your sacrifice With "freedom's cry" for all And so it is this season When love is what we share We reach out to our loved ones In silent reverent prayer We hold you close in spirit We pray for your return Knowing that your sacrifice Is glory you have earned And so it is you're with us Until you shall return Holding on to hope and peace With glory you have earned. ~ Francine Pucillo ~ Copyright November 24, 2007 Thanks For Visiting

Santa's Letter To Our Troops

From The Desk of Santa Claus Christmas Towne, North Pole Dear American Hero, I know that you've been good this year, because my elves tell me that you have been very busy fighting for freedom and defending our country from terrorists. My elves also tell me that the sacrifices you have made have been many and that your actions are actions of courage, dignity and selflessness. Your braveness has made it possible for my reindeer and I to fly through the sky on Christmas Eve without fear and deliver happiness and smiles to children all over the world. With this letter, I'm sending the heartfelt gratitude of all of your fellow Americans. Your country is very proud of you and your fellow soldiers. Your country is proud of you for all the sacrifices you have made and are making without question, for your country and the world.  My elves, Mrs. Claus, my reindeer and myself are very proud of all the brave American Soldiers just like you. Merry Christmas, dear hero and may the New Year bring joy and peace unto you.  Love, Santa Claus Thanks For Visiting