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Christmas Shorts

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, by Phillips Brooks.

The children were all nestled all snug in their beds. –from “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by C C Moore

Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.  –“What Child is This” by W C Dix.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. –words from Luke’s gospel which begins the story of Christ on earth.

On that day a commission went out from Christ to go into all the world to make disciples of all people, teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded.  –words from Matthew’s gospel which ends the  the story of Christ on earth.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things, far and nigh, to use the path of knowledge show, And cause us in her ways to do. —O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by John Mason Neale

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, by Phillips Brooks.

and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Is 9:6

In his master’s steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted, Heat was in the very sod, Which the Saint had printed. —Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale

And the angel said unto them, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  said Linus in his I-can-tell-you-what-Christmas-is-all-about-Charlie-Brown speech. Luke 2:10

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light.  The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, by Phillips Brooks.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O Come, All Ye Faithful by John Francis Wade

Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, by Phillips Brooks.

“Remember, if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree” Charlotte Carpenter

I heard the bells on Christmas Day.
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat.
Of peace on earth goodwill to men.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”  Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the United States)

“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”  A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing. —Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale

“It’s Christmas Day!” said Scrooge to himself. “I haven’t missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can.” A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

What do you call a bunch of chess grandmasters bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?
Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.

Do you know what would have happened if it had been three wise women instead of three wise men?
They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought practical gifts.

Calvin: Well. I’ve decided I do believe in Santa Claus, no matter how preposterous he sounds.
Hobbes: What convinced you?
Calvin: A simple risk analysis. I want presents. Lots of presents. Why risk not getting them over a matter of belief? Heck, I’ll believe anything they want.
Hobbes: How cynically enterprising of you.
Calvin: It’s the spirit of Christmas.
Calvin and Hobbes strip by Bill Watterson