I looked for Christmas everywhere,
Through snow-filled skies and winter's air.
I hunted in the likely places ---
The festive shops, the children's faces.
I searched for Christmas day and night,
In sprigs of holly, candlelight;
In gifts gay-wrapped and friendly greeting,
Yet found it not, and time was fleeting.
And then --- with a sudden start ---
I thought to search within my heart.
And there --- not lost, but warm and waking ---
Was Christmas, mine just for the taking!
- "The Search" by Emily Templeton
"I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good - sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for - will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."
A true story by Sharon Palmer.
The 'No Vacancy' signs over all the motels in Bethlehem were for your sake. "For your sake he became poor." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
'T'was the night before Christmas