CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CHRIST?




I was blocked. I just couldn’t find anything to write. I searched on-line for a good idea for a Christmas story. I thought other Christians could help me to write something wonderful about Christmas. Every single article I read was angry about the way Christmas was being celebrated now.

Article after article Christians complained about changes in their cities, towns, state and national celebrations. They talked about the overdone decorations, the emphasis on “BLACK FRIDAY” and the seemingly endless advertizing. Where was Christ in Christmas?

Writer’s recalled past celebrations. Remember how they used to have a Nativity scene next to the town hall? Remember when there were more songs about Christ then about Santa? Remember how we all smiled more, gave more, loved more, during that season?

Finally, I was feeling so bad--so frustrated with trying to find something to write, I read the Bible.

There is was. The beautiful, timeless words flowed.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee… to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.





2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



It is right here. Christ is still here. We are the ones who need to keep Christ in Christmas. People who do not know him cannot put him there. If we remember him at Christmas-- If we share him with our families, our children, our grandchildren and our friends, he is still here.

Christmas without Christ? It will never happen, because Christ is here, whether we acknowledge him or not. It is like denying the presence of the sun or the earth beneath our feet. If we do not admit that he is there, this doesn’t make him gone. It just makes us blind.

The material world cannot take over Christmas if we do not let it. As we keep him there with pride and with love this will spread, as it has a million times before. When we believe in the message of Christ’s birth it will share itself. It always has and I believe it always will.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The Children's site will  go live on March 1, 2011 The magazine has two goals as an online publisher of children's fiction and non-fiction. First, to provide excellent stories and activities for children. Second, to provide quality children's writers with a chance to see their work in print.
Contibuting fiction writers will be paid 55 percent of all revenue from their stories.
Non fiction stories will be assigned.  Please query with your non-fiction story idea. Payment will range from $5 to $20.
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There will be no additional charges. Writer's and artists should beware any publisher asking for money from them.
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What I am working on...

THE MAGICIAN'S CHILD
By Suzanne Sisco
“Something is hunting you.” said a male voice.
Katrina turned. There were several girls standing there, watching the parade. Whoever said it must have left.
Katrina turned back to watch a giant head float by. A tall woman wearing layers of beads pushed close, keeping in mind what she had been told about beads in New Orleans, Kat tried not to stare at the woman's chest. This was hard since Katrina was ten and the woman's chest was even with her face.
Kat looked around her, avoiding the woman enormous chest. There was a large Goth to her left. He wore a black T-shirt with the arms torn off to reveal muscles and tattoos. He was standing a little too close.
“Goth is dead,” she told him elbowing him to make him move.
“That's really, kinda the point isn't it?” he asked with a crooked smile.