SMITHFIELD
HIGH TIMES
THIS IS CHRISTMAS
The mistletoe over the door,
The green wreath hanging underneath.
Open the door; a tinkle of bells is
heard.
This is Christmas.
In the comer stands a tall tree.
All over colored lights twinkle.
Silver icicles over each limb dangle.
This is Christmas.
Under the tree are many gifts.
Some are large and some are small.
Some have green ribbon and some red.
This is Christmas,
A patter of small feet is heard.
Through the door bound two small figures,
From happy smiling faces come sounds of
laughter.
This is Christmas,
Evelyn Howell
8
CHRISTMAS
The most joyous and blessed day of
the year is December 25 - a day when
Christians all over the world celebrate
the birthday of Jesus Christ. Their
thoughts go back to that first Christmas
morning, nearly 2000 years ago, when
the newborn Christ Child lay in a manger
in the Holy Land. From that humble birth
place, the Child brought new faith and
new hope to the world. Simple shepherds
and Wise Men alike knelt before the
Holy Child in devoted thanks for His
birth.
Today men, women, and children in
every Christian land crowd into churches
to give their thanks. Many attend mid
night services on Christmas Eve. Beauti
ful decorations adorn the churches and
rich music swells from organ and choir.
The splendor and beauty is very different
from the humble stable in Bethleh^ where
Christ was bom; but the message He
brought to the world is the same - ’’Glory
be to God in the highest; and on earth
peace, good will toward men,"
Becky Byrd
IS THE REAL MEMING OF CHRISTMAS
FORGOTTEN?
What is the first thing you think
of trhen Christmas is mentioned? Do you
think of all the fine gifts you*11 be
receiving, an illuminated Christmas tree,
or the fact that there will be no school?
Or do your thoughts turn toward the
blessed birth of our Saviour?I*m afraid
that Christmas has become so commercial
ized that the Nativity is often left
out of the picture. It is a disgrace
that the original meaning of Christmas
means so little to some people. When
they should be thinking of how they
could help needy families during the
Yuletide season, some think only of
themselves. For some,joy is only in
receiving and not in giving. How will
your thoughts be turning this Christmas -
to what good there is in it for you or
to the Christ Child?
Ruth Ann Hamilton
SHARING MI JOYS AT CHRISTMAS
I would like to give to some poor
child,
privilege of enjoying a delicious
home-cooked meal with my family.
I would like to give to ore who * s never
seen the brilliance of. a lighted
Chrlstmais tree.
My beautiful tree with all its trimmings
of bright red, gold and green.
I would like to give to one who ’ s never
heard the music ringing sweetly
on Christmas Eve,
My chance to enjoy the lovely carols
sung throughout the yule-tide sea
son,
I would like to give to one who*s never
heard the true story of Christmas,
My chance of being in a country church
listening to the sweetest story
ever told.
Eleanor Woodall