December 17, 2019
The Christmas Dash
By Susan Vaughan Shumake
Christmas Season is upon us! Time to celebrate our King!
But I can’t do that until I get out all the Christmas things.
Boxes! Boxes! Wreaths and lights! Here’s our sweet nativity.
I can’t look at all that now! It’s time to decorate the tree!
Oh, how beautiful our home is, with the decorations done.
I’d love to sit and watch the lights, but time is short so I must run!
Racing to the shopping mall! Then I can’t find a parking spot!
God! I need to get there soon so I can get that toy that’s hot!
Shopping! Shopping! Spending money! Oh, I left my list at home!
LORD please help me to remember what to get for Uncle John!
The stores have closed. It’s dinnertime! Soon I’ll get the kids to bed.
Then I’ll have some time with You, or maybe I can bake that bread!
Cookie baking! Costume making! Choir practice! Christmas plays!
LORD this all is for YOUR glory! Help me! Only 12 more days!
Parties! Parties! Food and fancy! I must find something to wear!
Bought my dress in just two hours! Now I have food to prepare!
Such a lovely time of laughter! Seeing all our special friends.
LORD, I wish I would have thought to share You with a few of them.
Christmas Day is fast approaching! Family’s coming into town!
Now I’m running to the grocery! Can’t I stop rushing around?
Father! Father! Help me do this! I can’t do it on my own!
This is not what I remember! Where has all the meaning gone?
*** *** *** ***
Daughter, daughter, I am watching all of your activity.
Finding meaning in your Christmas comes from focusing on Me!
Put Me first, before your striving, giving me your busy days.
When you’re shopping for your children, I’ll provide the parking space.
Keep in mind the toys desired soon will lose all their appeal.
The things your children will remember are the memories you’ve made real.
Make the time to sip hot chocolate. Watch the lights. Visit friends.
Bring My purpose to your moments. Find My peace amidst the stress.
Joyful, joyful, will your heart be when you lift your voice and sing.
Listen to the words and worship while you’re Christmas caroling.
As you focus on My purpose, acts of love won’t seem a chore.
As you focus on My Gift, you may just end up giving more.
Giving gifts of obligation won’t bring blessing from above.
The joy you’ll get from giving comes from giving out of love.
All the people who surround you have a purpose and a reason.
Think of each one as a blessing as you give this Christmas season.
Teach your children all about Me. Tell them why I sent My Son.
Tell them how I’ve always loved them and Jesus once again will come.
Please don’t let the Christmas Season pass you by in busy days.
Remember, I am heard more clearly in a still and quiet place.
Daughter, Daughter, how I love you! You are precious in My sight!
I was thinking of you then, back on that Holy, Silent Night.
Merry Christmas to all!
