What is Christmas?

CHRISTMAS IS - REMEMBERING

I see again the silhouettes that told the treasured tale fastened to chilled windowpane, bringing warmth within. The homemade garlands, popcorn, and cranberries seasoned by little fingers and threaded on laughter and bright eyes. of secrets shared slyly so that "special" one would not catch a glimpse of what love had brought...

Yes, Christmas is remembering!

CHRISTMAS IS - LISTENING

To the satisfying grunt of snow, worn out by children's sliding boots, shiny runners, sodden gloves. To the sticky crinkle of gay wrappings to quietly embracing gifts, and the screech of tearing tissue, eager fingers reaching hungrily within.

To the sounds of bells, of records, of choirs, echoing the sublime story of star and shepherd, crib and Kings, of Bethlehem and the Babe...

CHRISTMAS IS - GIVING

Not only gifts of gold, but more of encouragement, of sympathy and understanding.   And also -- RECEIVING...For somehow, the long year through, the joy and love and blessing given out to others ... quietly, relentlessly, comes back again to you...

CHRISTMAS IS - CHRIST

For REMEMBERING can be bitter without the cleansing His precious blood supplies,                                                  
And   LISTENING,   minor,   indeed,   except   for   the   transforming   joy   of   His   presence,

And GIVING really begins with God's outstretched hands holding forgiveness and love to thrust into hands ready to RECEIVE...

Rev. J. Bruce Slack