On The Back Porch

by Ol’ Jim Cathey

 All those many years ago when Joseph and Mary journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem after it was decreed that everyone would be required to travel to their hometown to register. They found that there were no rooms available and they camped that night in a stable. 

At that time, Jesus was born, wrapped in swaddling cloth, and laid in a manger. Shepherds nearby were tending their flocks, while the host of angels sang, proclaiming “Joy to the world, peace on earth, good will toward man!” 

And eventually the arrival of three kings guided there by a bright star, bearing gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold, and to worship their King.

 Did you ever wonder about that first Christmas? Was this just happenstance, or were Biblical Prophecies being fulfilled?  

Some 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the messiah being born. 

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah told King Ahaz, who had refused to ask God for a sign, that, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14.

And in Isaiah 9:6, it says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” 

That God would send his Son to live as man on Earth, eventually be crucified on the Cross in order to take on the sins of man, thus forgiving us of all sin. Then in three days He would rise from the grave and eventually ascend into heaven. 

The resurrection would show victory over death and assure each of us eternal life if we would but believe in him and ask him to be Lord of our life. Jesus taught love, peace, and hope to his disciples and eventually to the world as He lived the example. 

He gave us the Great Commandment; to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So, as we prepare for Christmas festivities, let us remember what we are celebrating and why we are celebrating. 

In fact, let each of us praise and thank our God for allowing these prophecies to be fulfilled. And as we celebrate, help us to follow the great commandment by showing our love to family, neighbors, and even rank strangers that have a need for this love. 

Our own lives will be better for this as our thrill for the season intensifies and you will find it easier to praise and thank God for that first Christmas and all of the Christmases that He has allowed you to be a part of. This first Christmas became the holiest of holidays as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

The Birth of Christmas

Caesar Augustus sent out a decree,

A census for the Roman world,

The first census, a manner to oversee,

Roman power to unfurl.

Pilgrims journeyed home to register, one and all,

Joseph and Mary so bold,

The birth of our Lord, then Three Kings came to call,

Bringing Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold.

Now, the shepherds marveled while Angels sang,

Proclaiming joy to the world,

This glorious sound joined church bells as they rang,

And prophetic banner unfurled.

A birthday celebrated throughout the years,

Heralded by pauper and king,

Stories of joy, love, and hope that quiet our fears,

And many a song to sing.

For the light of the world had made its way,

To bring love throughout the land,

A Savior is born for us on this day,

Exactly as God had planned

But the stain of the world tries to snuff out that light,

Tho bright is the glow of its flame,

Yet “Good” battles evil, in ongoing fight,

To hold victorious claim.

These mem’ries crowd our minds and fill our hearts,  

Thanksgiving has come an’ gone,

An’ the long a waited Christmas season starts,

Where no one should be alone.

We know there’s many that are sad an’ blue,

Some folk need a helping hand,

And you’re just the one to help them get through,

Be a friend and understand.

That’s just what Jesus would do, as He spreads His love,

Bringing smiles an’ happy faces,

Giving hope as pure as the flight of the dove,

And peace in unexpected places.

It doesn’t take much, just a smile and kind word,

To whomever might need caressing,

And it might make a difference tho quiet and unheard,

To give others a blessing.

So as Christmas time nears, do what you can.,

Show God’s love to all in need,

Live as if God’s will was also your plan,

Life will be better indeed!

Show love to your neighbor as you travel this sod

Christmas should always be fun,

Let memories build and always praise God,

For the birth of Jesus, His Son!

© Ol’ Jim Cathey

Enjoy the Christmas Season!

God Bless and keep each one!  God Bless America!