A Lovely Reading to Share...

"At Christmas"

by Edgar Guest

A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season is here;

Then he's thinking more of others then he's thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.

He is less a selfish creature then at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime.

When it's Christmas, man is bigger and is better in his part;
He is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart.

All the petty thoughts and narrow seem to vanish for a while
And the true reward he's seeking is the glory of a smile.

Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be.

If I had to paint a picture of a man, I think I'd wait
Till he fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate.

I'd not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are all of self,
On the long days and the dreary when he's striving for himself.

I'd not take him when he's sneering, when he's scornful or depressed,
But I'd look for him at Christmas when he's shining at his best.

Man is ever in a struggle and he's oft misunderstood;
There are days the worst that's in him is the master of the good,

But at Christmas kindness rules him and he puts himself aside
And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide.

Oh, I don't know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be.

At my favorite time of year I am often inspired to try and find words to express the joy that I feel. And too, the beautiful changes that happen all around me. But I never seem to manage. Thank you Mr. Guest for these lovely sentiments! There is no way I could say what is in my heart better than this.

Thank You God for sending your precious Son on this day. Born humbly, risen to Greatness. Our Saviour, Prince of Peace. Praise you Jesus!