Tis the season for giving gifts, sharing fellowship, sending best wishes, and, most of all, celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus. We Bees would like to present some short works on Christmas. Many thanks to Bernadette, Daryl, Emily, Jane, and Mabel. Have a very, merry Christmas! May there bee peace on Earth and happiness for you and yours, always.

The Meaning of Christmas
by Emily Ryckman

Far away in Bethlehem, a Baby Boy was born; Born with neither riches nor with fame, Yet Wise Men came from all around to bring to Him their gifts, And peace was felt by all who heard His name.

Angels watched Him as He slept, and gently rocked His bed; Their voices singing softly in His ear; His Mother and His Father both gave thanks to God above For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear.

They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled with wealth, They also knew He would encounter strife; But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving Child, And teach the love of God throughout His life.

At Christmas, as we celebrate this Birth of Jesus Christ, Let's keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day; For it's not the Christmas wrappings, nor the gifts that lie within, But our gift of love to others in every way.

Santa's Lap
by Bernadette Kernen

I like to visit Santa Claus when Christmas time is near. It's fun to climb up on his lap And whisper in his ear. He says, "My dear, have you been good? Have you done what Mother said you should? Do you brush your teeth and hair each day? Are you kind to others when you play? I listen to each question And answer every one. Although I am ashamed to say I must say no to some. But Santa never scares me; he doesn't even scold. He just says, "Try again, my dear, You're a fine lad, I am told." Gee, I like to visit Santa Claus when Christmas time is near. It's fun to climb up on his lap and whisper in his ear.

Christmas Time is a Time for Love
by Emily Ryckman

Christmas is a time for Love; a time for Joy and Peace; A time to trim the Christmas Tree and a time to stuff the geese. It's a time when we can come together, however far or near; To shed a little hope into a world of sorrow and fear. Is that so much to ask?

Yet Christmas could be all year 'round, if only we would try To gently wipe an old man's brow or soothe a baby's cry. If we could smile throughout the year as we do on Christmas Day; Just think what happiness we'd shed along life's weary way. Is that so much to ask?

To give a gift of Hope to one who otherwise has none; To be a Friend to somebody whom everyone else has shun. To be Forgiving of our faults, and of our sisters and our brothers; To Live in Peace and Harmony with ourselves and with each other. Is that so much to ask?

Ah, don't you see that Christmas is more than opening up the gifts; It's more than singing Christmas Carols and rolling in big snow drifts. It's a feeling that can stay with you throughout each day, all year; And all it takes is a loving heart.....and a sensitive little tear. Is that so much to ask?

Christmas Queries
by Mabel Jones Gabbott

Mother, why do Christmas trees And Christmas gifts and melodies Here and all around the earth Celebrate the Christ child's birth? Christmas trees are lighted for The Savior's wondrous brilliant star And gifts we give to everyone Because our father gave His son. Songs are sung, for on that night When earth was bathed in holy light Jesus came - so long ago - And angels sang to tell us so.

Christmas Star
by Jane K. Nutt

A diamond shines no brighter than that lovely Christmas star. It shines in all its brilliance; it's seen from near or far. A symbol of the Christ child as He lay upon the hay, It tell to all the waiting world a King was born that day. O Bethlehem Star keep shining - give us faith and hope and love. Keep our thoughts forever turning to the Savior up above. Give us strength and hope and courage to do our best by far And never falter in our faith as we watch that Christmas star.

We Bees wish you a bee-utiful Christmas.