As Christmas is fast approaching, my prayer is that we don’t get so caught up in our own celebrations that we forget the meaning of this special holiday. We celebrate because Jesus Christ purchased salvation for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Christmas would be meaningless if He didn’t purchase salvation for sinners. He lived a perfect life and died in our place. And then He rose from the dead! This is the meaning of Christmas. This is the reason we celebrate. And it sure is cause to celebrate!

God’s children are all across the Earth, in a variety of seasons and circumstances. May our hearts be grateful and generous this Christmas season as we reflect not only on our own lives, but also on the lives of others. Below is a poem I wrote entitled, “The Many Faces of Christmas.” Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!

Cold streets, winter nights

Warm windows, wrapped with lights

Loneliness and hands that freeze

Mistletoes and sparkling trees

Santa Clause finds some, not all

Some are at the Christmas Ball

While some are huddled close together

Under bridges, facing weather

Some are warm, by a fire

Some at stores, the constant buyer

Some in Church, singing praise

Some are gone, been so for days

As you join family and friends,

Think of all the faces that Christmas lends.

And don’t complain, whatever you do

There’s always someone who has it worse than you.