Christmas Chant

Christmas Chant

Clop, clop, clop went the donkey's feet

Clop, clop, clop down the stoney street.

Nod, nod, nod went Mary's head

She was so tired, she needed a bed.

Knock, knock, knock went Joseph at the door.

Do you have room for anyone more?

No, no, no the innkeeper said.

Wait, wait, wait the innkeeper said

You can use my stable for a bed

Shh, shh, shh What is that I hear?

The cry of Baby Jesus, oh so dear.

source unknown

Christmas is Coming

Christmas Resources For Children's Ministry

The Carpenter’s Cradle - a poem I wrote for a worship service focusing on Joseph.

Christmas Songs -Lowly Manger- two songs to familiar tunes reworked.

Sweet Christmas- A Christmas Story told using chocolate bars.

Christmas@Pooh Corner , My Christmas Pillow- two original stories for children.

Bon Christmas - a short Christmas talk with a puppet.

A Christmas Lament

For those under pressure or rushing in their preparations leading up to Christmas Dean McIntyre has written a thoughtful lament which may be sung to the tune of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" or — with some rhythmic adjustment — "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

click here- Christmas Lament http://revsonja.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/christmas-lament.html

Christmas is Really For the Children

Christmas Is Really For the Children

Christmas is really
for the children.
Especially for children
who like animals, stables,
stars and babies wrapped
in swaddling clothes.
Then there are wise men,
kings in fine robes,
humble shepherds and a
hint of rich perfume.

Easter is not really
for the children
unless accompanied by
a cream filled egg.
It has whips, blood, nails,
a spear and allegations
of body snatching.
It involves politics, God
and the sins of the world.
It is not good for people
of a nervous disposition.
They would do better to
think on rabbits, chickens
and the first snowdrop
of spring.

Or they'd do better to
wait for a re-run of
Christmas without asking
too many questions about
what Jesus did when he grew up
or whether there's any connection.

Steve Turner

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..

Put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas

Santa rides in a sleigh…

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year…

JESUS is an ever present help in trouble.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies…

Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited…

JESUS stands at the door of your life and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa…

JESUS is as close as the mention of HIS name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap…

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girls, what’s your name?”…

JESUS knew our name before we did.

Not only does he know our name,

He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future and

He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly…

JESUS offers a heart full of love.

All Santa offers is HO HO HO…

JESUS offers healing, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”…

JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys…

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but…

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree…

JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

(author unknown)

The Carpenter's Cradle

The background for this poem is Matthew 1:18-25 . It was used as part of a sermon on this passage and was read with an improvised piano backing.

The Carpenter’s Cradle

Timber now fashioned, and rough sanded down

With piles of fresh shavings strewn on the ground.

The carpenter ponders each joint and straight edge

Puts down his tools upon the work ledge.

With things to ‘consider’ he returns to ‘his wood’

And enquires of the Lord, ‘What’s for the good?’

The angel commanded him,”Mary must stay”.

It’s now clear his fear shouldn’t stand in his way.

With each hammer and join, things start to take shape

He’s resolved to move forward, he can’t hesitate.

Shifting his stool, he then starts to plane.

Sometimes it’s hard to go ‘gainst the grain.

Finally he smiles, ‘It’s all God’s design.’

His weathered hand feels what’s smoothed, now fine.

This small baby Jesus, a gift to mankind

Will no longer rest in a meagre old manger

But will peacefully rock in this carpenter’s cradle.

© Don Stott, 2005, http://eliab.com