2016 Christmas Book Sampler

The Joy of His Presence

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His Christmas Presence As I count the “presents” of my life, It’s very clear to me That God has blessed me with much more Than the gifts beneath the tree.

I have my health and happiness, My family and my friends; Memories from a well-blessed life, Filled with love that knows no end.

And when the dark clouds did roll in, When it seemed I couldn’t cope, His Words were there to comfort me And fill my heart with hope.

God sent His Son to spread His Word, His light will lead the way; Because of His Christmas Presence God gives us gifts each day.

Eleanor Torchia Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

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The Star of Bethlehem Across the lonely, bare Judean hills A wondrous Star ray left its silver gleam.

Its light of hope with joyful blessing fills The heart of all mankind who wait and dream.

Into the caves of human fear-held dark, A radiant promise spreads effulgent light.

God’s Son of grace, Who bore His precious spark, For God did Revealed the shining way of truth and right. not the sendgentle His Savior came With tender love Son into To heal the sick and lift the the grieving soul.

For each His deep worldcompassion to condemnwas the same, To show God’s love was all the world, butthe in Christly goal.

Bright angels sang their heavenly anthem, order that the As Magi brought their gifts of royal worth. world there mightat Bethlehem, Within the manger be saved The Christ-Child brought God’s love in glorious birth.

through Him. Zelma S. Dennis John 3:17

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Christmas Reflection Sitting by the fire, With my manger scene in sight, My thoughts go back to Bethlehem, To that holy, sacred night.

You graciously accepted it, The manger and the hay.

A place to rest your weary heads, From the journey of that day.

By God’s design, His perfect plan Had started to unfold.

You gave birth to the Savior, The “gift” worth more than gold.

At Christmastime as we unwrap Our gifts from those we love, Unwrap the gift of Jesus, Your gift from God above.

Mary Ann Jameson 6

The Greatest Gift Christmas is a time for sharing With gifts of love from the heart.

God sent His Son – His gift to us, To share His Love – and His Grace impart.

The sounds of children laughing, Filled with merriment and glee; With wide-eyed joy and innocence, They hang ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Gifts piled high ’neath the glowing tree, Each wrapped with love and care.

God’s gift of love needs no wrapping…

It is free for the asking – and always there.

Christmas carols proclaim the message With tidings of Jesus’ birth.

No greater gift can He bestow: “Goodwill to men – and peace on earth.”

Charles Clevenger

For You make me jubilant, Lord, by Your deeds; at the works of Your hands I shout for joy.

Psalm 92:5

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This Holy Night Hushed dawn, and star shine fades As first light spreads through the east; A warm mist lifts within the cave, Slowly released by gentle beasts.

The infant sleeps‌ unknown to Him – The guiding, blazing star That led three kings with precious gifts To seek Him from afar.

Within this watch of palest light Before the break of day, His mother rests with sleepless eyes Upon her bed of hay.

Deep down within she ponders Many things this holy night; Three royal men, awed shepherds, And a Star that rained with light.

Lola Neff Merritt

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