“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 NIV
Today’s Gift
Christmas 2025
Category: Christmas
“The Rock of Agnes”
This story has been given its own page in the blog. Follow the link to read the whole thing.
This story is part of a collection I put together called “My Best Christmas and Other Stories of the Season.” It can be purchased at Amazon.com
Truth be told, Harold De Wit, teacher at Hartsville Christian School and elder in his church, would rather be teaching his fifth graders the nuances of equivalent fractions than the assignment set before him at last night’s elders meeting. Between home and school he had a dozen loose ends to finish up before Christmas.
“…and now this!” he complained to his wife when she came home from work the following afternoon.
Maggie kicked the snow off her shoes and hung her coat on the hook in the entry way. “It’s cold out there!” Harold had hot tea ready on the table.
“One week before Christmas… and they expect me to bring the ‘word of the elders’ to her… and… what will I look like… the Grinch of the Hartsville Church!?.” Harold slid Maggie’s tea across the table, still moaning about tomorrow’s meeting with Betty the bulletin secretary.
Maggie handed Harold a ‘Celebrate the Joy of Christmas’ napkin. “What do you want for Christmas?” She tried to change the subject, since she had already heard more than enough of Harold’s complaints the night before.
“Ah, just get me some rocks and sticks…” He hung his head and pouted, then smirked a bit, cocked his head to one side and looked up from the steaming tea. “And a spell checker… for Betty!”
Christmas Light
Here’s what the Gospel of John says about the coming of Jesus.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— … “
My hope for you today, Christmas Day, is that the Light that is Jesus will shine in your lives no matter what your circumstances may be.
Walk as children of Light
Jesus, the Light of the world… Today’s Gift
“First Fruits”
This story has been given its own page in the blog. Follow the link to read the whole thing.
This story is part of a collection I put together called “My Best Christmas and Other Stories of the Season.” It can be purchased at Amazon.com
“I purt’ near froze to death,” William looked across the counter at Lester, ferrying vegetable soup to his lips from the chipped bowl in front of him. He wore sesame seeds that had been planted in the tangle of his scraggly gray beard. William poured coffee into Lester’s half empty cup. “It was so cold that night that, well let me tell ya, that there cup of coffee would’ve froze solid!” He raised his eyebrows as he retooled an old Paul Bunyan legend he dredged from the dim memory of long gone school lessons. Lester sopped up what was left of the broth with a piece of dinner roll. What his mouth didn’t capture, the curly hairs of his shaggy beard did, providing a record of the day’s menu at the Gospel of Peace Mission. ……. Read more…
Joy to the World – Christmas 2023
Here’s what Isaac Watts has to say about the birth of Jesus.
The Lord, the King
Is here…
reigns…
blesses…
rules…
with truth and grace.
We, the nations, the earth, the whole of creation
Receive the King…
Make room for the King…
Prove his righteousness…
Prove his love…
Sing…
Sing…
Repeating the praise …
for the King.
Joy to the world!
Today’s and Forever’s Gift
After the Solstice
Sunrise… It happens everywhere.
A Festival of Les’ and Carl’s
This story is a bit on the long side, so I gave it its own page in the blog. Follow the link to read the whole thing.
This story is part of a collection I put together called “My Best Christmas and Other Stories of the Season.” It can be purchased at Amazon.com
The late December morning Florida sun shone bright and clear. They stood there, the two of them, at the open grave. They needed just a minute more, so Roger, Janey’s father, said he would wait for the two of them in the car.
The old country cemetary was the last plot of ground in those parts not covered by citrus orchards. In spite of the somber setting and the potential for sadness, for some there was a peacefulness that permeated the place.
The sun’s light slanted through the fruitless branches casting long shadows across the final earthly resting place of their friend. Janey wrapped her arm around the old man’s shoulders. “He’s home now… with Jesus.” She hugged him. “He was a good friend,” she said.
His somber gaze shifted from the opening in the soil to her moist eyes. He patted Janey’s hand in agreement. A year ago he would have had a hard time admitting to a friendship of any kind with the man. But a lot had happened. A lot had changed. And now, his slight smile and silent nod said everything that needed to be said as he replayed in his mind his time with his best friend.
******
“Hey! Whatcha doin’ under there?” ……. Read more
Solstice, Dancing, Hope
Sun, Earth solstice bound
Daily darker, woe, and woe
Wait! Tomorrow’s hope
Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars
All the rest, twirling, whirling
Sphere music, dancing
Cosmos - all of it
Creator loved, Son redeemed
Heaven, nature sing!
Today's hope and gift
The Weather 2
I couldn’t resist posting a few more pictures after taking my camera for a walk on this Christmas Day afternoon.
This is my Father’s world.
Today’s gift.
Born for You – Christmas 2022
Infant holy, infant lowly
For His bed a cattle stall
Oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ, the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging, angels singing
Bells are ringing, tidings bringing
Christ, the child is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory, heard the story
Tidings of a gospel true
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow
Praises voicing greet the morrow
Christ, the child was born for you!
Christ, the child was born for you!
Today’s Christmas Gift!
Text: Edith M. G. Reed, 1921
Walk as Children of Light 