That Time of Year

Okay, this is my favorite time of year. That week to a week and a half between Thankgiving and December. I don't know why. I guess cuz it's time to start celebrating Christmas (my halls are already decked to the hilt) but not quite crunch time. I mean, once you're into December there is just so much to do: Christmas shopping must be completed, Christmas trees must be gathered. And of course, for those of us who have worked for churches, it's also crunch time to finalize what the heck is going on during those two endless days of services... And now, as a student, throw in two weeks of study days, exams, papers, and endless nights with friends trying to figure out what the heck is going on over breaks, before, during and after.

Anyway, this miraculous weeks without all that stuff is my favorite because it is also the first week to pull out all those Christmas CDs, DVDs, and of course, those rusty VHSs that were taped from Christmas specials on TV (or am I the only one to have those?)...

Here are two songs from my favorite "John Denver and the Muppets, a Christmas Together:"


The Peace Carol

The garment of life, be it tattered and torn
The cloak of the soldier is weathered and worn
But what Child is this that was poverty-born
The peace of Christmas Day

The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day

The hope that has slumbered for two thousand years
A promise that silenced a thousand fears
A faith that can hobble an ocean of tears
The peace of Christmas Day

The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day

Add all the grief that people may bear
Total the strife and the trouble and care
Put them in columns and leave them right there
The peace of Christmas Day

The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day

The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day

Bob Beers

and


A Wish for You

I don't know if you believe in Christmas,
or if you have presents underneath a Christmas tree.But if you believe in love,
that will be more than enough, f
or you to come and celebrate with me.For I have held the precious gift that love brings,
even though I never saw a Christmas star.I know there is a light.
I have felt it burn inside.
And I have seen it shining from afar.Christmas is the time to come together.
A time to put all differences aside.And I reach out my hand
to the family of man,
to share the joy I feel at Christmas time.For the truth that binds us all together,
I would like to say a simple prayer:That at this special time
you will have true peace of mind,
and peace to last throughout the coming year!

Happy Holidays all you peoples out there!

-jcm