Christmas Without Christ

Spread good cheer always but join the growing number of people who take the time to remember what this special day is really about.

Courtesy: dsimple.wordpress.com

(CLEVELAND) - As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the reason for celebrating this special holiday. Consider that the day is held to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ who lived among us to make the world a better place.

Consider the children who need your help in this world and never forget the difference you can make for others if you set your mind and heart to it. People are capable of extraordinary things.

Jesus Christ asked people to love others as they love themselves, he asked them to turn their other cheek when slapped. He asked very hard things of the human race and in return he left people the greatest gift of all.

This Christmas enjoy the family gatherings and and church services and yes, the wonderful presents, but do so in a way that acknowledges what this day is truly about.

Spread good cheer always but join the growing number of people who take the time to remember what this special day is really about.

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Christmas Without Christ

Happy birthday Lord Jesus,
I am so thrilled You came,
I apologize for my brethren,
They mistreated, I’m ashamed.

What gift could I possibly give You?
That You don’t already possess,
Only because of Your sacrifice,
All my birthdays have been blessed.

On this very special day,
All of the saints and I,
Pray in humble sincerity,
There are many reasons why.

A misconception has risen,
On how we should celebrate,
Unwrapping, tearing, cutting,
Opening gifts, who can wait?

Many are very expensive,
Like cars and diamond rings,
Putting smiles on the children,
If told Santa really did bring.

Quick, turn on the television,
There is a game someone will say
Millionaires sweating over a basketball,
Are you sure it’s work and not just play.

Something’s been lost in the translation,
What’s the real meaning of this day?
Commercialism has taken over Christmas,
But it hasn’t always been this way.

Some stores will only greet you,
Saying “Hello, happy holidays”,
Lest they offend the shoppers,
Doubting what the bible has to say.

At the age of 12 from the feast young Jesus was lost,
Joseph and Mary searched for Him but at what cost?
With all the shopping hoopla in 09 approaching 2010,
It sure seems like we have lost our Lord Jesus again.

Hey Lucas, have you seen Jesus? Naw dude, not at all,
My wife did text me and said she saw Him at the mall,
At the food court giving God Praise with a mighty shout,
A store complained so security escorted the Savior out.

Saying, “don’t come back with that good will towards men,
And better not preach about those Commandments of 10,
Neither dare to take one slice of pizza & feed another 5k,
Or no doubt it’s behind bars for you on this Christmas Day.”

Commercials for December 25th appear on Halloween,
In stores it is almost impossible to find a Nativity Scene,
The red blood of Jesus has been replaced by $$$ green,
When I awaken the next day I realize no it’s not a dream.

Well that’s perfectly okay my Lord Jesus Christ,
From your book I know everything will be alright,
Many will continue to turn away from the word,
To follow deception of the world they’ve heard.

Once again Satan has seized an opportunity,
Putting primary focus on material things,
Instead of shared blessings by salvation,
Your peace from love it really does bring.

Believer’s birthdays will also be,
All to numerous to mention,
I know from reading the bible,
This is Your true intention,

Every year for us,
Brings something new,
Just another reason,
To celebrate Yours too,

We could never receive,
A gift greater than life,
Birthdays mean not a thing,
If not for Your sacrifice.

Of course we’d all be,
Another year in the books,
Wrinkles and gray hair,
With much older looks.

Celebrations would be over,
With the very last breath,
There’d be no more birthdays,
Just our own untimely death.

The loving gift of Your mercy and grace,
Unlocks the gate to that Heavenly place,
Saved forever because we are born again,
Like Jesus, our birthdays will never end.

Many are those who have come to reject,
Having the nerve to shorten it with an X,
Ever see a Chinese restaurant without rice?
How can we have Christmas without Christ?

By Luke Easter

Luke Easter is a poet who writes about things that are very close to the heart of Salem-News.com. Another former U.S. Marine, Luke heals the world with an approach that reaches people on a different level, one known for centuries, yet too often forgotten in the one we live in.

We live in a world of social & economic injustice. The main reason for founding America in the first place was to relieve the oppression of the King of England. Patrick Henry said it best, “give me liberty or give me death.” And yet, all too often death seems to be the only way out. Why is there such a high suicide rate especially among teens, in the land of the free & the home of the brave? What makes headlines? Good news? Ha! More depressing stories than anything else. I feel poetry takes an edge off the hurt of bad news while still delivering it but in a, “glitzy” sort of way. Giving a different perspective. Kind of like slap in the face as opposed to a knife in the back. At least with the slap you’ll live to see another day and you will know whom it’s from. I wasn’t here for the beginning of the world but at 59, I just might be here for the end.

Even though it’s still a knife, rhyme poetry helps to dull the blade. And that’s my job. You can write to Luke Easter at: lyricsfromlucas@aol.com