from TexanBeauty |
What Is Christmas? Author Unknown Faith and hope and love, which cannot be bought or sold or bartered, but only given away, are the wellsprings--firm and deep--of Christmas celebrations. These are the gifts without price, the ornaments incapable of imitation, discovered only within oneself, and are, therefore, unique. They are not always easy to come by, but they are in unlimited supply-- ever in the province of all. This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Listen. Apologize if you are wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against mal ice. Express your gratitude. Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of this earth. These are inklings of a vast category. . .a mere scratching of the surface. They are simple things. You have heard them all before, but their influence has never been measured. |
Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect Long, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree names Small Pine. Small pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warmhearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer n the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection. The Queen, Queen's family and al the villagers said that Small Pine was the finest Christmas tree yet. For in looking at its drooping, nibbled branches, they saw the protecting arm of their father or the comforting lap of a mother. And some, like the wise Queen saw the love of Christ expressed on earth. So if you walk among evergreens today, you will find, along with rabbits, birds and other happy living things, many trees like Small Pine. You will see a drooping limb which gives cover, a gap offering a warm resting place, or branches ragged from feeding hungry animals. For, as have many of us, the trees have learned that living for the sake of others makes us most beautiful in the eyes of God. |
