do you hear what i hear?

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born... She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:6-14

He didn't like CHRISTmas, and why should he?  He had never had a tree, never had presents, and had no good memories of it.  All he knew about CHRISTmas was what the world told him and what he saw around him.  So when asked to write about CHRISTmas memories, he couldn't.  Seeing his discouragement, the teacher told him about CHRISTmas, the real CHRISTmas.  He had never heard it, but now he has... and hope is made possible where there  once was darkness.  

If you are stressed out, disheartened, discouraged... then maybe you need to hear the story, the real CHRISTmas story, again too.  Let us escape from the make believe and usher in truth and peace.  Then we can celebrate no matter what the circumstance around us might be.  For God has given His Son for us to have eternal life... can that not be enough?  If we are to give anything to others, may it be the sharing of Him.

Let's go forth now in song and praise to our Father.

"Hark" the herald angels sings. Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled;

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

May your CHRISTmas be filled with love, joy, peace, laughter, and mostly with Him!

have a peace-filled day!
veneal