Thankfully, up to this point, the Christmas season at the Schopf Pad has been relatively non-stressful. With a few more gifts to purchase, one string of lights to replace the ornery one at the top of my Christmas tree, three non-putzy-yet-equally-as-yummy side dishes to prepare, and a few bed sheets to change for the anticipated out-of-town family caravan, we are set! While I could benefit from a deeper appreciation for holidays (aka, "holy" days, right?), my tendency is to embrace normalcy, with an eye toward a steady "life of worship". I think I'm reacting to the up and down emotions of my childhood/teen years. Wait, scratch that. I'm still on that roller coaster. Hence, the reason I embrace simplicity and efficiency. With young ones, marriage, ministry, and a passion for our music ministry, there's enough excitement even on a "normal" day. What I'm rejoicing in today is found in the very last stanza of the song below. The hope of freedom from sin's bondage, joy in my Father's sovereignty, and peace that surrounds and guards my heart and mind -- these are not just gifts availed to us at Christmas time. They are forever blessings for those whom Jesus calls His own. So, let your celebration be deep and rich in Christ this Christmas! And let the celebration continue on December 26th. His mercies are new every morning....
"A Timeless Cause For Joy"
Jingle, jingle, feelings tingle inside an eager soul;
Christmas
looms, while filling rooms with presents wall to wall.
Candles
lit more frequently help set the Yuletide scene,
And
countless dozen fancy treats are frosted red and green.
Social
functions, food consumption delight the festive one,
Fuss
and fury, haste and hurry, always on the run.
Christmas
concerts here and there, with parties in between,
Towering
trees and lighted wreathes have set the Christmas scene.
Seasons
come and seasons go, and soon we say goodbye
To
happy holiday feelings, and scrumptious holiday pie;
A
time when glittering Christmas cards are simply in the way,
And
extra Christmas money has vanished all away.
Vacation
time, while all sublime, expires once again,
And
making holiday memories has soon come to an end.
What
will linger then, my friend, when the tinsel must come down?
What
happy feeling will help sustain your spirit all year round?
A
life abiding deep in Christ will bring unnumbered joys
Not
sourced in yearly holidays or fleeting earthly toys.
No
happy rush of feelings will deliver constant cheer
For
ringing Christmas silver bells are heard but once a year.
Jesus
Christ, the Christmas Babe, was born that blessed night
With
quiet celebration and dim the lantern light.
Though
hushed was His arrival, to mankind He would bring
A
timeless cause for inward joy and endless cause to sing.
It's
freedom from our sinfulness that Jesus came to give;
It's
peace amid our worldly cares that on the Earth He lived.
It's
inward joy in resting in the Father's wise control,
And
trusting that the Christmas Babe is Keeper of my soul.
MP3 and Sheet Music can be found HERE. (Aside from our newest ones at the top, the songs are listed in alphabetical order.)
