Merry Christmas all!

I'm going to related the first story that I heard at the sermon that was told at the Christmas services (which relates to how a little baby can amazingly bring peace - so you can see how that moved into the Christmas story.)

Pastor Cook told the congregation this story every time:

The French and the Germans were at war. The land was full of ammo and carnage. The day was very foggy, so foggy that things could not be seen. However, about right in the middle as the sun shone through some of the fog, a small farmhouse could be seen between the two warring armies.

Among the grass at this farmhouse, a little baby could be seen crawling - not concerned with the war, as happy as could be.

A sudden deadly silence fell over the troops as the baby crawled. Not a single shot was made.

Suddenly, one of the French soldiers jumped out and went to pick up the baby. Not a single shot was made by either army. He went to take care of that baby. Not a single shot was made, but instead, from both sides, thunderous applause arose.

It was amazing how only little baby brought peace to that battlefield.

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Then, I wanted to share one of my favorite Christmas songs. It is simple, but it is also very beautiful.

Before the Marvel of this Night

1. Before the marvel of this night
   Adoring, fold your wings and bow,
   Then tear the sky apart with light
   And with your news the world endow.
   Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace,
   That fear and death and sorrow cease:
   Sing peace, sing peace, sing gift of peace.
   Sing peace, sing gift of peace.

2. Awake the sleeping world with song,
   This is the day the Lord has made.
   Assemble here, celestial throng,
   In royal splendor come arrayed.
   Give earth a glimpse of heav'nly bliss, A teasing taste of what they miss:
   Sing bliss, sing bliss, sing endless bliss.
   Sing bliss, sing endless bliss.

3. The love that we have always known,
   Our constant joy and endless light,
   Now to the loveless world be shown,
   Now break upon its deathly night.
   Into one song compress the love,
   That rules our universe above:
   Sing love, sing love, sing God is love.
   Sing love, sing God is love.