I asked my youngest grandchildren what gift they would be giving Jesus for His birthday. I explained that this special gift is not one purchased in a store; rather, it's one given from the heart that would change the world. I was touched in the level of their compassion and by each response. Below, I have compiled their gifts into the poem, "The True Spirit of Christmas" with a special thanks, love and appreciation to Alec, Mya, Karlie, Celine, Travler, Livia, Sariah, Savanna, Trigo and Jabez for their beautiful inspiration.
The True Spirit of Christmas
As children we believe that the loveliest sight to see
Are presents wrapped and underneath a decorated tree
But the gift that means the most is not tied up in a bow
It's the time and love that's given to mend a broken soul
When all of God's children stretch forth a loving hand
That is when the lion will lie down - next to the lamb
And we will create the miracles to end all human strife
With no more wars of hatred to take a precious life
Someday we'll live together in peace and harmony
And every child on earth will have the privilege to be free
Those families torn apart by selfishness and greed
Will have a change of heart in what they feel they need
The true spirit of Christmas is not underneath the tree
Its in the hearts of the children that belong to you and me
And in the hand of homelessness, regardless of their race
Its in the eyes of the elderly and the newborn baby's face
Its in the sorrow of a mother who can't wipe away her tears
And in the struggle of our youth to overcome their fears
Its in the pain of a father who has nothing left to give
And the soldier on the battlefield who really wants to live
When kindness replaces the idleness we know
Our actions will allow us to reap that which we sow
There will be no darkness, for the light is what we seek
And the earth will be transformed by the very words we speak
No one will have more, and no one will have less
For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess
That He is the Messiah, the strait and narrow way
And the door to our salvation upon the Judgement Day
The true spirit of Christmas isn't wrapped in fancy bows...
It's the time and love that's given to mend the broken souls
All rights reserved for "The True Spirit of Christmas" and copyright pending by Linda Sumner Urza
Alec, age 12: "My gift would be to give service. By giving, we receive the best blessings of all and help create a better world. Service makes everyone feel good."
Mya, age 10: "I would give peace as my gift. I don't want anyone to be afraid. I don't like to be afraid and I believe that no one in the world should ever be scared. I want peace to rule the world. "
Travler, age 10: "My gift for Jesus is love. Love can change war into peace. Someday, I want to be a soldier to protect our country and people, so no one gets hurt and they're not afraid to live here."
Celine, age 8: "My gift would be to write a letter to Jesus and tell him how much I love Him. I will give more. There are lots of hungry people who don't have homes and that's not a good thing. Everyone should share, so no one is sad or left out."
Jabez, age 3: "I would give Him a kiss!"
Karlie, age 10: "My gift will be to donate more. If everyone shares, then the world will be happier, people will be nicer to each other, and no one will be left out. When we all give, we feel good. If people don't want to share, then they should go without for a while and see how it feels not to have anything."
Livia, age 6: "I would give to "everyone" for my gift. I want everyone to have food, then no one will ever be hungry. I want nice people to live here on earth, but no more mean ones."
Sariah, age 8: "My gift is hope. Hope for more jobs for people who don't have any. I think hope would be a good gift for everyone. Hope will make a better world and help us take care of the world we have."
Savanna, age 6: "I would give my love for Him."
Trigo, age 6: "My gift will be to be a good friend. I don't think Jesus will be happy to know that people are not nice or hurt anyone. So, I am going to be a nicer friend and a better friend. When you are nice everyone is happy.
Out of the mouths of babes... we cannot in good conscience allow our children to inherit the world as we know it, not on our watch, for we are greater than this. May we change everything that is humanly possible in this world to create a Heavenly outcome... and let us begin today. All rights by Linda Sumner Urza for One fine day
Out of the mouths of babes... we cannot in good conscience allow our children to inherit the world as we know it, not on our watch, for we are greater than this. May we change everything that is humanly possible in this world to create a Heavenly outcome... and let us begin today. All rights by Linda Sumner Urza for One fine day
