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Memories of Childhood Home
by Verna Mull Memories of past Christmas days Flood my elderly, lonely heart. My parents are now with Jesus, (Not long before I will depart!) They sacrificed through my childhood, To make Christmas a special day; They were poor, and times were hard- We didn't have the Christmas array! Mama wrapped a little branch with cotton, Set the "tree" in a wrapped coffee can, Clipped on it, trimmed down candles, While a real tree had been her plan. We'd sit and string cranberry garlands That would brighten this home-made tree, Under it, she placed two small gifts One forr my brother, and, one for me! The home was always so warm and cozy, Heat radiated from the pot-bellied stove, We stoked the roaring fire with sticks That Daddy had chopped from the grove. We attended a nice Christmas program, Where the children recited their parts, Then all received large bags of goodies That brought joy to everyone's heart! And then, it would be Christmas day, Not like any other regular day! We'd rise up oh so early that morn, Open our gifts, so that we could play! The kitchen would smell so tempting As Mama fixed all that she could afford, We got to help pull the taffy candy, We were all so thankful to the Lord! Daddy would read the Bible to us We'd all kneel down and pray, And thank the Lord so gratefully, For the Baby that brought this day! Now, I've grown so much older, My own family is grown and gone. Sometimes we had Christmas bauble, Even out on our home's lawn. I think of my Mama and my Daddy Who would have loved to give us more; But the love that they poured out on us, Was much better than "gifts galore" And then I feel such strong guilt, The simple joys that my family missed, When it seems that they received, Most everything that was on their list! Now, I wonder if God is very pleased With the way we celebrate His day, He gave us the only Gift we really need, His Love, which provides us His Way! An elderly Christian who has learned to depend upon the Lord. He is sufficient to meet our needs in any circumstance of life. I only want to honor Him Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |