12/2/12

A special Christmas Story


As Christmas approaches, I can't help but remember those days of my childhood and all the memories they evoke. I can feel the comfort and coziness of the warmth in front of the living room stove. I can smell the goodies baking in the kitchen. I can remember Mom's little plastic nativity she would set out every year. 


One year when I was around 7 or 8, she sat it under the tree and I can remember so well laying on my stomach and gazing at it, thinking about that night. That one special moment in time when that one special baby was born. Several years ago, I decided to write a poem about that night and how we should never lose the true purpose of Christmas. I hope you enjoy my Christmas story.



 A Christmas Story

Packages wrapped up with ribbons and bows,
Stockings over fires with embers aglow;
A tree in the corner strung with tinsel and lights;
A soft falling snow on a cold winter night.

Under the tree on a soft woolen skirt,
Sat a nativity scene of the dear Savior’s birth.
As I knelt down close to take a good look,
My mother would read from an old worn book.

She told of a mother, weary and worn,
Looking for a place for her child to be born.
The inns were all full, no room could be found.
They were shown to a stable with hay on the ground.

She read how the shepherds were watching their sheep
When angels came to them with voices so sweet.
She read of their messages of tidings of joy
As they told the shepherds about the birth of a boy.

We’d listen intently, eyes glued on that book
As she told how the shepherds went to go look.
How they found the sweet baby in a manger that night
And how they gave praise to God for the sweet blessed child.

We hung on her words, the picture so clear,
For this was a child the world would hold dear.
She flipped back some pages as we knelt at her feet,
While she read of some wise men and a star in the east.

She told of their journey to see the small babe.
She read of their worship and the gifts that they gave.
We heard about the frankincense, the myrrh and the gold,
As Mom quietly finished her story of old.

As she closed the worn book that she’d just read,
We’d get our kisses from Daddy and scoot off to bed.
As she tucked us all in and kissed us good night,
We’d think of that story as she covered us tight.

For we had been raised to know the Lord’s love,
And we knew that sweet Child was a gift from above.
We knew that a great sacrifice had been made,
That started with the birth of Jesus that day.

So forget all the presents, the ribbons and bows.
Forget all the stockings and lights all aglow.
For the greatest gift you’ll find on your Christmas morn,
Was given by God, the year our Savior was born.

(Copyright Brenda Garretson Keefer 1999. Do not use or reprint without the express written consent of the author)


5 comments:

Rachel said...

The little elf is enjoying the Christmas story. Love the poem! Have a blessed day.

Norma said...

The little elf reading the
Christmas story.

nonie everythingsewing said...

Thank you for sharing the wonderful poem.
You have brought back so many Christmas memories for me this morning. When I was 'little' I didn't know about calenders but was always thrilled to know Christmas was coming soon when my Aunt would put out the little Nativity set and start cooking candied orange peels.
Nonie

Leslie said...

What a wonderful poem!!!! The manger is so cute. Growing up my parents never had a manger.. but my grandma did. I remember looking at it sprawled over her large buffet. I didn't understand how it was related to christmas and santa claus. My grandma then told me the story of Christmas and took me outside to show me the christmas star. : ) I have several nativities.. it is important to me that we honor and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Steph G! He's reading the Bible! I really love this little guy :)