'Twas the night before Christmas and out on the ranch

The pond was froze over and so was the branch.

The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.

The kids were all home on vacation from school,

And happier young folks you never did see-

Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.

Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,

There came a surprise that gave them a shock!

The power went off, the TV went dead!

When Grandpa came in from out in the shed

With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.

"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.

"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.

Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago."

"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,

And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."

The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.

Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,

Uncased his old fiddle and started to play

That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.

Mom started to sing, and first thing they knew

Both Pop and the kids were all singing it, too.

They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"

Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.

They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,

And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.

They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe,

The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.

Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn;

And when the kids wakened, the power was on..

"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"

Said Grandpa - and no one suspected his trick.

Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,

He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!

-anonymous



A local editorial

Do you read the editorial and opinion section of your newspaper?  I don't usually.  So many times when I start to read something from there, it's either way too far over my head, I don't know what they're talking about, or someone is just letting off steam that needs to be contained.  However.  The other morning I had read through the entire paper and still didn't feel like getting up and getting started around the house.  I found this local article.  It speaks such honesty.  I wish I was the kind of person with the courage to express thoughts such as this.  I'm not, but I so agree with his message.  I thought I'd share it.

Preserve nation's Christian principles

     Ever since America was established by its Founding Fathers (who, by the way, were Christians), just about every political, religious or loony individual and/or organization has attempted to change it to suit their own concept of what it out to be, or destroy it altogether.
     During my 80 years, I have seen many changes  some of which I am proud of because I believe they made America more Christ-oriented.  What I don't like is seeing our government giving in to non-Christian principles, under the guise of "being fair to everybody".
     I read nothing in the Constitution that even hints America must be changed to protect or promote the rights of those who want to overthrow or "remake" it.  I say they are welcome here, but if they don't like a "Christian America", then go somewhere else - but don't try to make America into that "somewhere else".
     I am convinced the American citizens are partly to blame for the loss of some of our freedoms.  I believe, from the beginning, any time the authorities demanded or moved in to dismantle a christian symbol, ebvery business and house in the town or city should have erected one in front of their place.  They couldn't have put everybody in jail.
     Itg is too late to start?  Only true Americans can answer that.  Today, when someone bids me 'happy holidays", I answer, "No -merry Christmas".  If everyone would do that, at least that's a start.
     Merry Christmas to everyone.
J.F Rodgers
Clearwater, S.C.

And Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Rodgers.



It's called CHRISTmas

A friend's visit

I had a friend visit me this morning.  He arrived early, sat down with me, and chatted for a while about how things were currintly going for me in my life.  After very carefully and compassionately listening to all that I had to say, he stood up, walked over to me, leaned over and gently held me for a while.
After reassuring me not to worry, that everything would work out for me and be just fine, He asked me if Iknew of anyone else who could use a visit from Him.  I immediately thought of all of you, my friends.

I gave Him your names and He knew where you lived.  He gave me another reassuring hug, thanked me, and I walked with HIm to my front door.  He told me that He was on His way to your place.

I asked him to bless you and yours with peace, happiness and abundance.


Say a prayer and then pass Him on to bless others as I sent him on to bless you. Our assignment is to spread love, respect and kindness throughout the world.

Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today as hopefully I have touched your life.
(from an e-mail.  Original author unknown)

While You Were Sleeping by Casting Crowns

Oh, how I've had trouble getting into the 'decorating for Christmas' mood.  I love Christmas and what it stands for. Since my return from Belize with all the images I have still embedded in my memory, it just doesn't seem right.  The timing isn't right. So, I've been thinking of it as decorating for a 'Happy Birthday, Jesus' party.  My little granddaughter brought my thinking back to reality.

And just this morning, I heard this song on the radio for the first time.  It truly was a shockwave back to the real reason for Christmas.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.