Merry Christmas Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

I arose while it was still dark this Christmas morning,

Made my way past the children who were still soundly snoring,

Sat down on the couch and looked at the tree.

It was quiet and peaceful as far as I could see.

But then I remembered the news of war

of bombings and killings just the day before.

Presents and parties are all good and fun

But they can’t stop the evil that comes from a barrel of a gun.

Another stuffed animal or a shiny new toy

Won’t replace a father who will never again see his boy.

Santa Claus outfits and all the Christmas cheer

Won’t erase the anger and hatred we’ve seen this year.

So tell me please, with war all around where is the joy of Christmas?

Can we really find something good in this malevolent business?

Yes, there’s reason for hope and joy this year

If you carefully listen it’s not hard to hear.

It happens beyond the clatter of AK-47s

It’s the prayers of saints going up to the heavens!

It’s the sound of the church standing to her feet

Ready to serve and unafraid of persecution to meet.

It’s preaching of the gospel to the broken and the lost

It’s the testimony of hearts that have melted at the cross!

No, war can’t take away the peace and joy of forgiveness

And that’s what only Jesus can give us at Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! May Jesus be your joy this Christmas!