Beyond December

As I sit here with boxes of decorations piled high all around me, a dead Christmas tree in the corner waiting to be taken outside, I think of how quickly the Celebration of Christmas comes and goes, and how quickly it comes around again.  The older I  get the shorter the years seem to be.  I used to wait forever for it to arrive and now it seems to come almost before I get all of the previous year's decorations put away!  (Those of you who know me will say, "What!  There are some decorations you never take down!" and you would be correct.)

I tried to find a recording or video of this song for you but could not.  Here are the words to a beautiful song about making our celebration of Christ's birth last beyond December.  I think you can google it and hear it but perhaps not by First Call.

After December Slips Away - First Call (Bonnie Keen/Lowell Alexander)

The season comes

But once a year
A gift of precious wonder
For all who hold it dear
But past the sights
And colored lights
Lord, far beyond December
I will remember

After the carols fade away
After the yule fire dies down
When there are no longer dreams
To open and see
Because You are hope
And joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart the season will remain
After December slips away

Years ago beneath a tree
Fell the drops of crimson
That set the faithful free
The gift was life sent in love
Lord, far beyond December
I will remember

After the carols fade away
After the yule fire dies down
When there are no longer
Dreams to open and see
Because You are hope
And joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart the season will remain
After December slips away

No matter how bright
The glitter shines
No matter how many hopes come true
I know that all I have
Begins and ends with You

The season comes

But once a year
A gift of precious wonder
For all who hold it dear
But past the sights
And colored lights
Lord, far beyond December
I will remember

After the carols fade away
After the yule fire dies down
When there are no longer dreams
To open and see
Because You are hope
And joy and peace
Because You're the only gift I need
In my heart the season will remain
After December slips away

Have a wonderful weekend!

Send "After December Slips Away" Ringtone to your Cell

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In The First Light

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Jesus Born on This Day

One Child - The Nativity

The Christmas Hope by Newsong

The Song of Christmas

Mystery - Selah with lyrics

Michael W Smith & Amy Grant & chorus - No Eye Had Seen (good christian m...

Michael W. Smith - Christmastime

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Here With Us

Chris Tomlin - Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)

Point Of Grace - One King

Would You Say "Yes"?

Song Of Angels by Bouguereau

I posted Mary's song out of Luke Chaper 1 the week before last and then while I was listening to the song "Gabriel's Message" by Jars of Clay this morning, I found this video from You Tube of the same song also posted here today.  Please listen and watch and then read these lyrics all the while thinking of whether you would be so willing to say "Yes" as Mary did more than 2,000 years ago.

Gabriel's Message  Basque Christmas Carol c.1582

The angel Gabriel from Heaven came
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame
"All hail", said he, "thou lowly maiden Mary
Most highly favored maid"
Gloria

"For known a blessed mother thou shalt be
All generations laud and honor thee
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel by seers foretold
Most highly favored maid"
Gloria

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God", she said
"My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name"
Most highly favored maid
Gloria

Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And lowly men throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favored maid
Gloria  

What would have happened had Mary said "No" to God?  Mary's willingness to say "Yes" was the beginning of God's planned salvation for mankind.  Of course, He knew she would say yes, which was probably one of the reasons He chose her.  I've said this before but I think my heart was most touched by the Christmas message the first Christmas after my first child was born.  Mary was asked to give birth to the long awaited Messiah and she said "Yes!" with a willing heart.  I feel fairly certain that she didn't know all that she was saying "Yes" to.  I'm sure at the time, she didn't realize how her Son would suffer and die.  I'm also sure, although she was only human, that she still would have said,  "Yes, Lord.  Be it done to me according to Your will."  When God asks something of you, do you say "Yes" with a willing heart?  Would you still say "Yes" even if you knew that it would be painful and difficult?  Only through surrender and obedience can you get to the place where you would say, "Yes, Lord.  Be it done to me according to Your will."

Dear Lord,  Make us Your  willing servants no matter what You ask of us...

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I Believe - Natalie Grant

Michael W. Smith - The Promise

O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Selah

Breath of Heaven

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Ring by Jars of Clay