The Real Meaning of Christmas
A Christmas Poem by Joseph P. Martino 

Two thousand years ago the King of Kings was born.
'The Lamb of God' later made to feel the thorn,
If his words are accepted and not scorned,
They will make us all reborn.

Though God's grace, Joseph and Mary presented
A gift to the world that day, which we can all repay,
by living the ten commandments each and every day.

Try to remember and keep in your heart and mind
Jesus's gospel while here on Earth,
Redemption not a life lived in constant mirth. 
Peace on Earth, good will toward man
Everyone should try it, whenever they can.

The Lord gave us the option and choice of 'free will,'
Now it's up to us to fit the bill.

So when you’re Christmas shopping for family and friends,
and money is tight at both ends,
Remember that the greatest gift of all,
Is your love of Jesus in the manger stall.

That Midnight Hour 

The Virgin Mother kneels upon the floor 
And holds her baby in her arm, 
Her heart is gladder than her lips can say, 
To keep her new born baby snug and warm, 
A babe more sweet and fair and dear 
Than any rose bud in the bright sunshine, 
Whose little eyes look straight into her own, 
O, blessed maid, God's son is also thine. 
Twas holy midnight, when He came to earth: 
As pours a sun ray through a limpid glass, 
Not leaving any mark upon its face; 
A drop of dew upon the fresh green grass, 
A little star that fell upon her lap, 
A cooing babe, that seeks her virgin breast. 
The hopes of all the sin-cursed world 
Upon this baby's eyelids rest. 
And ever since the midnight hour is holy, 
And millions of human hearts are stirred 
To wonderment and love for Him who came, 
To save the world, God's own incarnate Word. 
He came in darkness, He who was The Light, 
His godhead shone from clear blue baby eyes, 
The curse of earth's first sin was lifted then, 
That midnight hour reopened paradise.

Heaven's Gift
by Sandra A. Popp (Email: sandrapopp@word-wealth.com )

Heaven's gift has come to man.
Mortal fate rests
Within tiny hallowed hands.
Shepherds singing, a shining star,
Angels proclaiming,
Kings bearing gifts from afar.
A scene of serene glory,
The weight of a holy hush,
The meaning of heaven's story,
'Twas God's first CHRISTmas gift to us.

Who would recall the power of that day,
At the time when He was led away,
Bearing a crown, a robe, and fateful wounds?
Was He not the gift from heaven's womb?

Shall we turn from that holy day
And walk away unchanged?
Will we allow it to envelope our souls
Only to let it slowly slip away?

Through plastic, tinsel, parties and gifts,
Shopping, planning, and Christmas lights lit,
Can the simple gift be heard or seen,
Or does it quietly fade behind holiday sheen?

Let us not forget that He loves us so.
He loves us too much to let us go.
He sent a plan with His sacrifice
To forgive and cleanse and give us life.

Embrace the greatest gift of all;
Don't let your sense of the manger wane.
The gift of heaven is yours to receive.
It was the true reason He came.

The Gift of god 

There was seen a radiance 
Glowing one night 
Near the little maiden Mary 
In blue and white. 
"Lilies are not fairer, 
"Roses more red, 
Than the Child she sings to slumber," 
An angel said. 
So the shepherds ventured 
Through the white cold, 
And their eyes beheld the Infant, 
An hour old. 
Long they gazed and wondered, 
Awkward in awe, 
At the paramount perfection 
Within their straw. 
"Diamonds are but trifles! 
"Rubies no gem!" 
Cried the hearts that slaved for pittance 
Near Bethlehem. 
So it was forever, 
After the night 
When the little maiden Mary 
Wore blue and white. .

That Midnight Hour 

The Virgin Mother kneels upon the floor 
And holds her baby in her arm, 
Her heart is gladder than her lips can say, 
To keep her new born baby snug and warm, 
A babe more sweet and fair and dear 
Than any rose bud in the bright sunshine, 
Whose little eyes look straight into her own, 
O, blessed maid, God's son is also thine. 
Twas holy midnight, when He came to earth: 
As pours a sun ray through a limpid glass, 
Not leaving any mark upon its face; 
A drop of dew upon the fresh green grass, 
A little star that fell upon her lap, 
A cooing babe, that seeks her virgin breast. 
The hopes of all the sin-cursed world 
Upon this baby's eyelids rest. 
And ever since the midnight hour is holy, 
And millions of human hearts are stirred 
To wonderment and love for Him who came, 
To save the world, God's own incarnate Word. 
He came in darkness, He who was The Light, 
His godhead shone from clear blue baby eyes, 
The curse of earth's first sin was lifted then, 
That midnight hour reopened paradise.