T'was the night before Christmas when all through the town,
Not a person was smiling; they all had a frown. The mall doors were all locked; they were guarded with care; In hopes that hoards of shoppers would soon arrive there. The clerks stood ready, all dressed in holiday red, While visions of full registers danced in their heads. Then mama in her PJs, and I in my vest, Climbed out of our tent, ahead of the rest. Now out in the parking lot, arose a clatter, We all turned to see just what was the matter. In unison we craned our necks longing to see, Yet keeping our place in line we wanted to be. The red and blue lights from the top of the car, Proved a dignitary was close, coming from far. When what to our disbelieving eyes should appear, But the CEOs of ev'ry store we held dear. They spread through the crowd, somewhat panicked and thick; They jumped up on a stage, erected so quick. An emcee appeared, and out of the car he came, And introduced them-called them each by name. From Macy's, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and more, Kmart, and Dillards, Kohl's and one other store, To the front of the line, to the end of the mall, Now please listen to us, please listen to all. Christmas gifts for the family are all very fine, But this is the year you must all draw the line. You see, it's not the cash or the size of the box, And it's not the money; why put yourself in hock? Rather, it's the time you will give that means the most, It's the stories you tell, the occasional toast. So dash away, dash away, dash away all; On to your houses, now leave this here mall. Off the stage strode the CEOs one and all From their limos on cell phones they all made a call. Christmas time is just perfect for lots of nice presents, But what family needs most is your generous presence.
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President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress on December 8 and declared, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941–a date which will live in infamy–the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”
It was then that the United States began a four-year struggle on two fronts that cost over 400,000 American lives. On the 75th anniversary of that day of infamy I pause to give tribute and honor to those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The news of December 7 hit my family hard, as my Grandmother’s four sons enlisted, leaving her at home with only a flag with four blue stars hanging in her front room window. She would pray daily that her stars would remain blue and not change to gold. For a gold star meant that a family member had died in action. One terrible attack changed the course of my family’s history, as well as the entire world. On this December 7th I am reminded of another surprise attack, the attack of Satan against Adam and Eve. He surprised them with a temptation too good to pass up and the future of Adam and Eve was changed, as well as the whole world. For that one act brought sin and death to all. Then another battle was fought that again changed the future for mankind. Christ struck down the power of Satan, along with death, when he fought on the cross and rose victorious on Easter morning. His death and resurrection secured for us eternal life. December 7th is a day for honoring courageous men and women who fought against those who desired to take away our freedoms here on earth. It is also a day to rejoice in the freedom won by Christ. This is the time of year when the world stops and turns to share gifts, good deeds and kindness with one another. Bell ringers remind us to give of our plenty to those in need, store sales hold promises of joy and delight on Christmas morning and joyous greetings between strangers bring smiles that warm the night. Yes, it is Christmas time and everything is a little brighter.
But there is a darker side to this season as the desire to shower loved ones with the latest and greatest leads to spending money not yet earned. Nerves are frazzled as one circles parking lots searching for a parking spot. Empty slots on store aisles mock those who wait until the last minute to get that desired prize. Yes, it is Christmas time and everything gets a little more stressful. Christmas carols remind us that this season in more than presents, it is family – families gather together to sing songs, eat wonderful meals and laugh with one another Yes, it is Christmas time and time for family. But there are those among us who will stare at an empty spot on the floor where the tree should be – the precious spouse who brought life into the season now gone, excited children moved away with children of their own. Others, newly single, struggle with continuing life as their one they loved walked away – tearing apart not only the marriage, but the heart. Yes, it is Christmas and a time for loneliness. There is no greater gift we can give then our presence. Let us gather our family around us and rejoice. Let us also seek out those among us who are alone, those who struggle, those who need a friend. Let us gather them into our family, for these are our brothers and sisters in faith. Let us give them our presence and remind them of God’s presence in their life. Yes, it is Christmas. |
AuthorRichard Cohrs Archives
December 2016
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