Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Guest

I ran this last year, and will continue to do so every year. It is a tradition with my family, on Christmas Eve to read this story. I hope that maybe you can share this story with your family on this Christmas Eve, and remember and reflect on this special eve the greatest story ever told....

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men of good will" (Luke 2:14).


Every Christmas that I can recall from memory, as a child I would go into my mother's dresser and pull out a newsletter that we received in the mail from a local church. I anticipated listening to a particular story that was in it, "The Christmas Guest"every Christmas Eve, as was tradition. Today I love to gather my own children around the fireplace before Christmas, sip from cups of piping hot chocolate while sitting in our coziest of jammy's and read the story to my children. It is one of those Christmas traditions that is so special. It really makes you stop and think about what Christmas-and life itself-is really about.


Don't miss the very things that are in front of you. God's presence (and His "presents" ) is everywhere. I hope that this story touches you. Print it out, preserve it in your dresser or Christmas box and perhaps it will become a tradition with your family too. I hope that every year you will think of how blessed we are to have one another. We are so rich, I don't mean monetarily but in the things that matter most.

Thankyou for your friendship, it is one of my "presents". May you be blessed.
Merry Christmas.
Leigh

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


The Christmas Guest

It happened one day, near December's end Two neighbors called on an old friend. And they found his shop so meager and lean, Made joyful with a thousand bows of green.A nd Conrad was sittin' with face a shining when he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine. And he said "Oh friends at dawn today,When the rooster was crowing the night away the Lord appeared in a dream to me", and said "I am coming your guest to be."So I've been busy with feet a stir, A strewing my shop with branches of fir. The table is spread and the kettle is shined and over the rafter the holly is twined. Now I'll wait for my Lord to appear and listen closely so I will hear his step - as he nears my humble place, And I open the door and look on his face.

So his friends went home and left Conrad alone. For this was the happiest day he had known For long since his family had passed away­ and Conrad had spent a many a sad Christmas day. But he knew with the Lord, as his Christmas guest, This Christmas would be the dearest and best. So he listened with only joy in his heart, and with every sound he would rise with a start and look for the Lord to be at his door -Like the vision he'd had a few hours before.

So he ran to the window, after hearing a sound.But all he could see on the snow covered ground Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn And all of his clothes were ragged and worn. But Conrad was touched and he went to the door, And he said, "You know your feet must be frozen and sore".I have some shoes in my shop for you and a coat that will keep you warmer too. So with grateful heart the man went away but Conrad noticed the time of day-­and wondered what made the Lord So late and how much longer he'd have to wait.

When he heard a knock he ran to the door But it was only a stranger once more.A bent old lady with a shawl of black With a bundle of kindling piled on her back. She asked for only a place to rest­But that was reserved for Conrad's great guest. But her voice seemed to plea - Don't send me away. Let me rest for a while on Christmas day. So old Conrad brewed her a steaming cup and told her to sit at the table and sup. But after she left he was filled with dismay, For he saw that the hours Were slipping away ­and the Lord hadn't come as he said he would. And Conrad felt sure he'd misunderstood.
When out of the stillness he heard a cry –
"Please help me and tell me where am I."So again he opened his friendly door,and stood disappointed as twice before. It was only a child who had wondered away, and was lost from her family on Christmas day. Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad­ -But he knew he should make the little girl glad. So he called her in and he wiped her tear, and quieted all her childish fears. Then he led her back to her home once more.

But as he entered his own darkened door,He knew the Lord was not coming today­ -For the hours of Christmas had passed away. So he went to his room and knelt down to pray. And he said "Dear Lord, why did you delay?" "What kept you from coming to call on me. For I wanted so much your face to see."When soft in the silence a voice he heard ­"Lift up your head for I kept my word. Three times my shadow crossed your floor­and three times I came to your lowly door. I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet,and I was the woman you gave something to eat. Three times I knocked and three times I came in. And each time I found the warmth of a friend. Of all the gifts love is the best. And I was honored to be your Christmas guest."

Merry Christmas to all my friends in Bloggeritaville. Thank you for dropping by from time to time. I feel blessed to have made the friendships I have through blogging and am so appreciative of that.
From my home to yours, May the Spirit of Christmas live within you this day and everyday.
God Bless.
Leigh

29 comments:

Susan said...

What a beautiful story.... Merry Christmas to you and your family.... hope to see you Saturday night!!!!

Mari said...

That's a good reminder during this busy season - thanks for sharing!

Trina said...

Beautiful story! We all need to be reminded that this season isn't about ourselves--it is about showing love and kindness to those less forunate than we are.

Kristin - The Goat said...

I can see why you make it a tradition to read this... it's just lovely.

Merry Christmas!
Kristin

It has been such a pleasure to get to know you this year.

Bama Belle said...

Leigh that is one o f my favorite stories and I think it is awesome that you an dyour family read it every year! We have a similar tradition with the Nativity story and the story of the candy cane.
Be well, and have a Merry CHRISTmas my precious friend!

Glitter & Bliss said...

How touching.... What a wonderful story of compassion and love. Merry Christmas!!!

"J" said...

What a great story! I love it! I've never heard it! Thank you for sharing it with us as you do soooooooooooo many other wonderful things in your life!!!!! You are a true joy!!!!

I'm soooooooooooo glad we crossed paths!!!! =)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!!!!

XOXO
J

Anonymous said...

Yes I know my posts have gotten sporadic- I have been in a FaceBook tizzy and cannot get out of it! I am addicted b/c I luv keeping up with all my old/new friends! And I am afraid that my posts may be more sporadic next year as my job will change on 1-1-09. That is a good thing- Still traveling, but now traveling some in South MS! Yea!
So we will see- I really want to keep my blog going b/c I luv it-but I may have to just post a few times a week.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
I am about to go make red velvet cupcakes!!!!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Leigh!

cherry said...

Merrryyyyyyyyy Christmas! cherry

j said...

Gosh Leigh. That is precious. We don't have a family tradition like that. Wish that we did.

Merry Christmas!!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Thank you to all of you my friends!

I am blessed by your friendships through the world of blogging.

Be blessed. Merry CHRISTmas to all!
Because of HIM,
Leigh

Anonymous said...

Hey Sweet Daughter....The Christmas Guest is still one of my favorite Christmas stories. I'm so happy you carried on the tradition and read it to your babies. I love you,
Mom

Kristin - The Goat said...

Merry Merry! Love to you and yours this Christmas season.

Hansonpatch said...

Merry Christmas Leigh! Hope your holidays were full of wonder!

The Berry's Patch said...

Merry Christmas Leigh!

Brandee

The Berry's Patch said...

Merry Christmas Leigh!

Brandee

The Berry's Patch said...

Merry Christmas Leigh!

Brandee

Self Sagacity said...

Merry Christmas. Very nice post. Thanks for sharing.

Amy said...

I am a HUGE fan of traditions and sentiment, and of opportunities to instill tenderness in the hearts of young and old alike. I'm 45. My daughters are all grown, and 2 have families of their own.

Because of the stress of the "gotta do's", we have a large family Christmas party the Saturday before Christmas. This includes my parents, siblings, their families and our offspring. I think this beautiful poem will be a perfect addition.

Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4312]generic cialis[/url] where to Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4313]Tadalafil[/url] overnight Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4314]generic cialis[/url] no rx generic cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4315]Cialis[/url] prescription Tadalafil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4316]Cialis[/url] order Tadalafil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4317]Tadalafil[/url] buy Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4318]Cialis[/url] prescription Tadalafil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4319]generic cialis[/url] no rx generic cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4320]generic cialis[/url] prescription Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4321]Cialis[/url] where to Tadalafil

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4322]revatio[/url] get phrodil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4323]Supra[/url] prescription Viagra = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4324]Zwagra[/url] no rx revatio = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4325]Edegra[/url] no rx Zwagra = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4326]Erasmo[/url] overnight phrodil

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4322]generic cialis[/url] no rx Tadalafil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4323]Cialis[/url] buy Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4324]Tadalafil[/url] order Cialis = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4325]Cialis[/url] prescription Tadalafil = [url=http://www.aism.edu/default.aspx?g=posts&m=4326]generic cialis[/url] where to Cialis

Anonymous said...

[url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-for-sale-without]get Tramadol 150mg[/url] no rx Tramadol 100mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-from-canada]buy Tramadol Adolan[/url] overnight Tramadol 200mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-from-england]overnight Tramadol Adolan[/url] obtain Tramadol 50mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-from-usa-tramadol]prescription Tramadol 50mg[/url] no rx Tramadol 150mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-get-daily-tramadol]no rx Tramadol Ultram[/url] buy Tramadol Adolan

Anonymous said...

[url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-get-from-tramadol]where to Tramadol 100mg[/url] prescription Tramadol Anadol = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-get-online]prescription Tramadol 150mg[/url] order Tramadol 50mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-how-can-i-obtain]get Tramadol Anadol[/url] overnight Tramadol 150mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-how-can-obtain]buy Tramadol 150mg[/url] no rx Tramadol Adolan = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-how-to-buy]get Tramadol 100mg[/url] buy Tramadol 150mg

Anonymous said...

[url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-legal-usa-tramadol]buy Tramadol Ultram[/url] get Tramadol Adolan = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-low-price-tramadol]buy Tramadol Anadol[/url] overnight Tramadol 200mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-lowest-price]where to Tramadol 150mg[/url] prescription Tramadol Adolan = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-mail-order]buy Tramadol 200mg[/url] prescription Tramadol Anadol = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-mail-order-canada]obtain Tramadol 150mg[/url] overnight Tramadol Adolan

Anonymous said...

[url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-mail-order-mexico]no rx Tramadol 200mg[/url] get Tramadol 200mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-medication]prescription Tramadol 150mg[/url] where to Tramadol Adolan = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-mexican-pharmacy]prescription Tramadol 150mg[/url] prescription Tramadol 100mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-mexico-pharmacies]overnight Tramadol 150mg[/url] prescription Tramadol 100mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-no-prescription]prescription Tramadol 100mg[/url] where to Tramadol 50mg

Anonymous said...

[url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-no-prescription-1]obtain Tramadol Ultram[/url] where to Tramadol 50mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-obtain-tramadol]where to Tramadol 50mg[/url] obtain Tramadol 50mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-obtain-fast]order Tramadol 50mg[/url] order Tramadol 50mg = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-on-line-from]where to Tramadol Ultram[/url] order Tramadol Ultram = [url=http://independents.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-on-the-internet]order Tramadol Anadol[/url] prescription Tramadol 100mg

Anonymous said...

[url=http://naijaswagger.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-toronto-rx-meds]prescription Cialis[/url] order Cialis 10mg = [url=http://naijaswagger.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-uk-cialis-50mg]overnight Generic cialis[/url] get Cialis Soft 20mg = [url=http://naijaswagger.ning.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-were-can-i-buy-in]where to Cialis Super Active 100mg[/url] overnight Tadalafil = [url=http://connect.independentamericans.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-where-to-buy-1]prescription Cialis Professional 20mg[/url] prescription Cialis Soft 20mg = [url=http://connect.independentamericans.com/profiles/blogs/canadian-rx-where-to-buy-in-1]order Cialis 10mg[/url] where to Generic cialis