OCTOBER 28th 2013
THE GOLD WRAPPING PAPER - An Inspiring Christmas Story
Once upon a time, there was a man who worked very hard just to keep food on the table for his family. This particular year a few days before Christmas, he punished his little five-year-old daughter after learning that she had used up the family's only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.
As money was tight, he became even more upset when on Christmas Eve he saw that the child had used all of the expensive gold paper to decorate one shoebox she had put under the Christmas tree. He also was concerned about where she had gotten the money to buy what was in the shoebox.Nevertheless, the next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, "This is for you, Daddy!"
As he opened the box, the father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, now regretting how he had punished her.
But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty and again his anger flared. "Don't you know, young lady," he said harshly, "when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package!"
The little girl looked up at him with sad tears rolling from her eyes and whispered: "Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full."
The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl. He begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.
An accident took the life of the child only a short time later. It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.In a very real sense, each of us has been given an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE
BY DAVID G. STRATMAN
It was December 25, 1914, only 5 months into World War I, German, British, and French soldiers, already sick and tired of the senseless killing, disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with "the enemy" along two-thirds of the Western Front (a crime punishable by death in times of war). German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with signs, "Merry Christmas."
A shudder ran through the high command on either side. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million would be slaughtered.Not many people have heard the story of the Christmas Truce. On Christmas Day, 1988, a story in the Boston Globe mentioned that a local FM radio host played "Christmas in the Trenches," a ballad about the Christmas Truce, several times and was startled by the effect. The song became the most requested recording during the holidays in Boston on several FM stations. "Even more startling than the number of requests I get is the reaction to the ballad afterward by callers who hadn't heard it before," said the radio host. "They telephone me deeply moved, sometimes in tears, asking, 'What the hell did I just hear?' "
You can probably guess why the callers were in tears. The Christmas Truce story goes against most of what we have been taught about people. It gives us a glimpse of the world as we wish it could be and says, "This really happened once." It reminds us of those thoughts we keep hidden away, out of range of the TV and newspaper stories that tell us how trivial and mean human life is. It is like hearing that our deepest wishes really are true: the world really could be different.
Santa Claus Does Not Forget
Written by M.A. Haley
Bertie was a very good boy. He was kind, obedient, truthful, and unselfish. He had, however, one great fault,—he always forgot.
No matter how important the errand, his answer always was, "I forgot." When he was sent with a note to the dress-maker his mother would find the note in his pocket at night. If he was sent to the store in a great hurry, to get something for tea, he would return late, without the article, but with his usual answer.
His father and mother talked the matter over, and decided that something must be done to make the little boy remember.Christmas was near, and Bertie was busy making out a list of things which Santa Claus was to bring him.
"Santa Claus may forget some of those things," said his mother.
"He cannot," replied Bertie; "for I shall write sled, and skates, and drum, and violin, and all the things on this paper. Then when Santa Claus goes to my stocking he will find the list. He can see it and put the things in as fast as he reads."
Christmas morning came, and Bertie was up at dawn to see what was in his stocking. His mother kept away from him as long as she could, for she knew what Santa Claus had done.
Finally she heard him coming with slow steps to her room. Slowly he opened the door and came towards her. He held in his hand a list very much longer than the one he had made out. He put it in his mother's hand, while tears of disappointment fell from his eyes.
"See what Santa Claus left for me; but I think he might have given me one thing besides."His mother opened the roll. It was a list of all the errands Bertie had been asked to do for six months. At the end of all was written, in staring capitals, "I FORGOT."
Bertie wept for an hour. Then his mother told him they were all going to grandpas. For the first time he would see a Christmas-tree. Perhaps something might be growing there for him.
It was very strange to Bertie, but on grandpa's tree he found everything he had written on his list. Was he cured of his bad habit? Not all at once; but when his mother saw that he was particularly heedless she would say, "Remember, Santa Claus does not forget."
Santa Claus's Letter
Written by Author Unknown
Christmas was coming. Jamie and Ted had already begun to write long letters to Santa Claus. But one thing was rather queer: both boys asked him for the same things.
Each little letter ended with - "Just like Brother's."
They agreed to ask for only one sled. They would rather ride together. Now was not this very sweet and loving?
One night, after they had gone to bed, Jamie said, "Ted, if Santa Claus brings us skates, Jim can teach us how to use them.""Oh, yes; and if we get fur mittens it will be such fun to make a fort."
"And a snowman," Jamie answered.
Ted went oh: "I'll always ride the sled down a hill, and you can ride it up."
"I guess you won't," Jamie said, speaking loudly.
"Why not?" Ted asked.
"Because it'll be as much my sled as yours."
"Yes, of course," Ted replied; "but I chose it first."
"You are a selfish boy!" said Jamie.
"Well, then, so are you!"
"I don't care. I won't sleep with you. I'll ask mamma if I can't have the first pick; I'm the biggest," roared Jamie, bounding out of bed.
"You're a big, cross cry baby," Ted shouted, jumping out after his brother.
Away ran Jamie to mamma, with Ted at his heels. Both were angry. Both talked at once.Mamma was grieved. Her dear little boys had never been so unkind to each other before. She kissed their hot faces and stroked their pretty hair. She told them how their naughty words hurt her. She showed them how displeased God was to see two little brothers quarrel.
That night they went to sleep in each other's arms, full of love and forgiveness.
Christmas morning came at last. Very early the boys crept out of bed, just to "feel" their stockings.
Papa heard them, and, remembering that he was once a boy lighted the gas.
Each little red stocking was full from toe to top. Boxes and paper parcels were piled around them. Such shouting! Such a good time! It seemed as if all their letters had been answered.
Suddenly Jamie cried, "O Ted, here's a letter!"
They put their little heads together, and with papa's help spelled this out:
"My dear Boys,—No sled this year. It quarreled so I was afraid to bring it. I dropped it off the load about a week ago. Get ready for it next year. Merry Christmas! "
SANTA CLAUS
Story of Jesus birth - The Story of Mary
The Beginning of the Christmas Story as told in the Gospel of Luke
Upon entering, the Angel said to her: "Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
When she had heard this, she was disturbed by his words, and she considered what kind of greeting this might be.
The Angel said to her: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. Behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and you shall bear a son, and you shall call his name: JESUS. He will be great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. And he will reign in the house of Jacob for eternity. And his kingdom shall have no end."Then Mary said to the Angel, "How shall this be done, since I do not know man?"
In response, the Angel said to her: "The Holy Spirit will pass over you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And because of this also, the Holy One who will be born of you shall be called the Son of God. And behold, your cousin Elizabeth has herself also conceived a son, in her old age. And this is the sixth month for her who is called barren. For no word will be impossible with God."
Then Mary said: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word." And the Angel departed from her.
The Visit of the Magi (The Three Wise Men)
The Beginning of the Christmas Story as told in the Gospel of Matthew
And so, when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying: "Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to adore him."
Now king Herod, hearing this, was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born.And they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For from you shall go forth the ruler who shall guide my people Israel.' "
Then Herod, quietly calling the Magi, diligently learned from them the time when the star appeared to them. And sending them into Bethlehem, he said: "Go and diligently ask questions about the boy. And when you have found him, report back to me, so that I, too, may come and adore him."
And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was.
Then, seeing the star, they were gladdened by a very great joy. And entering the home, they found the boy with his mother Mary. And so, falling prostrate, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having received a response in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back by another way to their own region.
A Ragged Christmas Feast
Written by Author Unknown
Dr. Nelaton is a famous minister in Dublin, and every year he, with other good people, gets up this great feast for the children. About eight hundred of them came last year. Some of these were only half-clad, and all were very ragged. They were seated at long, narrow tables, which were covered with a white cloth, The children from the ragged schools wore aprons in bright colors, to hide their rags. Each school had a color of its own. These aprons were only lent them for the day, and the children felt very fine in them. But there were two long rows without any aprons. These were little ones who had been picked up along the streets. Each ragged scholar had permission to bring all the children he could find. And, oh, how ragged and dirty these two rows were!
But they brightened up, just like the children with aprons, when they saw the feast. A huge mug of steaming tea and an immense bun to each child! Rarely did they have such a treat as this. And how they did eat! Each child had all he wanted. It would have done you good to see their poor, pinched faces beam with delight. During the meal a large throng of orphan children in the gallery sung some sweet songs. Then, after the feast, there were small gifts, and little speeches and prayers, and more songs. The little ragged ones seemed like new beings in this atmosphere of love. Such a glad day as that Christmas was a rare event in their sad lives. Children who live in happy homes know little about the sufferings of the poor. Perhaps, if they knew more, such little ones would try harder, by gifts and kind acts, to carry sunshine to sorrowful hearts.
The Christmas Carol of the Birds
Written by Mrs. G. Hall
Do you know when we are having such good times at Christmas, what sweet music they have in Norway, that cold country across the sea? One day in the year the simple peasants who live there make the birds very happy, so that they sing, of their own free-will, a glad, joyous carol on Christmas morning.And this is why they sing on that morning more than on any other. After the birds have found shelter from the north wind on Christmas-eve and the night is still and bright with stars, or even if the storm be ever so severe, the good people bring out sheaves of corn and wheat from their storehouses. Tying them on slender poles, they raise them from every spire, barn, gatepost, and gable; then, when the Christmas sun rises over the hills, every spire and gable bursts forth into joyous song.
You can well believe that these songs of the birds make the people of Norway very happy. They echo, with all their hearts, their living, grateful anthem, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to men!"
Grandma's Christmas Gifts
Written by Author Unknown
"My patience!" cried grandma. "What can be the matter with two bright little boys this sunny morning?"
"We don't have no good times," sighed little Peter.
"We can't slide. We haven't any sleds," whimpered Jimmy."Why, of course boys can't have a good time without sleds," said grandma, cheerily. "Let us look about and see if we can't find something." And grandma's cap-border bobbed behind barrels and boxes in the shed and all among the cobwebs in the garret; but nothing could be found suitable.
"Hum! I do believe this would do for little Pete;" and the dear old lady drew a large, pressed-tin pan off the top shelf in the pantry. A long, smooth butter-tray was found for Jimmy. Grandma shook her cap-border with laughter to see them skim over the hard crust in their queer sleds. And the boys shouted and swung their hands as they flew past the window.
"I do expect they'll wear 'me about through," murmured grandma; "but boys must slide,—that's certain."
And the pan was scoured as bright as a new silver dollar and the red paint was all gone off the wooden tray when Peter and Jimmy brought their sleds back.
Grandma knitted faster than ever all that day, and her face was bright with smiles. She was planning something. She went to see Job Easter that night. He promised to make two small sleds for the pair of socks she was knitting.
She hitched them to the door-latch, and went home laughing all the way.
RUDOLPH THE REINDEER SHORT CHRISTMAS STORYEXAMPLE OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY
QUESTIONS:
- What is the title?
- What is the setting?
- What are the main characters?
- What is the story about?
- What is your favorite part?
STUDENTS: Francy Katerine Bautista Boada
STORY: One Christmas Eve the trees in a wood were very unhappy. They wished very much to keep Christmas, but they did not know how to do so.
'We look so brown,' complained one.
'And so bare,' added another.
'And so bare,' added another.
'If we only had our pretty green summer dresses,' contributed a third, 'then we should be decorated and could keep Christmas.'
'Hush, children, hush,' whispered North Wind in quite a gentle voice for such a rough fellow. 'Make haste and go to sleep.'
'Hush, children, hush,' softly murmured a sleepy little bird. He was roosting on one of the branches of the unhappy trees.
So the trees dropped off to sleep, one by one, while a little star twinkled peacefully overhead.
While they slept something happened. When the trees awoke they found that someone, perhaps North Wind, had, during the night, cast over each of them a lovely soft cloak of spotless feathery white.
'How beautiful we are,' said the trees. 'Now we can keep our Christmas.'
VOCABYLARY:
- WOOD: madera
- KEEP: mantener/guardar
- BARE: descubierto
- ROUGH: aspero
- FELLOW: compañero
- TWINKLE: parpadeo
- SLEEP: dormir
Ooh, baby
Listen up to what I gotta say
I found true love and it's here to stay
Chapel bells are gonna ring in May
I met an angel on Christmas Day
24th of December
It was a cold and snowy night
I can still remember
Gazing at the stars and the moonlight
Fell asleep on the sofa bed
Dreams of Christmas in my head
I awoke to my surprise
There he was right before my eyes
Listen up to what I gotta say
I found true love and it's here to stay
Chapel bells are gonna ring in May
I met an angel on Christmas Day
I was stuffing the stockings
And hanging tinsel on the tree
When I heard a knocking
I opened the door in time to see
Carolers and silver bells
I saw his face that's when I fell
He was there bent on one knee
Santa sent him just for me
Listen up to what I gotta say
I found true love and it's here to stay
Chapel bells are gonna ring in May
I met an angel on Christmas Day
Yeah yeah
I know this love will grow
When flowers bloom in early spring
I'll be his bride, I'll wear his ring
If you're looking for a angel who
Is gonna make your every dream come true
Just write an letter saying Santa hey
I need an angel next Christmas Day
Yeah, ooh baby, oh oh
Listen up to what I gotta say, babe
I found true love and it's here to stay
Chapel bells are gonna ring 'n ring in May
I met an angel on Christmas Day
Listen up to what I gotta say
I found true love and it's here to stay
Chapel bells are gonna ring, chapel bells are gonna ring
I met an angel on Christmas Day
Listen up to what I gotta say
True love and it's all day
I met an angel on Christmas Day
Hey hey hey, yeah
On Christmas Day
Ooh
Aw baby
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE (Shakin Stevens)
Snow is fallin'
all around me
children playin'
having fun
it's the season
of love and understanding
merry christmas everyone
Time for parties
and celebrations
people dancin'
all night long
time for presents
and exchanging kisses
time for singing christmas songs
We're gonna have a party tonight
i'm gonna find that girl
underneath the mistletoe
we'll kiss by candle light
Room is waiting
records playing
all the old songs
love to give
oh, i wish that
every day was christmas
what a nice way
to spend the year
Merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
children playin'
having fun
it's the season
of love and understanding
merry christmas everyone
Time for parties
and celebrations
people dancin'
all night long
time for presents
and exchanging kisses
time for singing christmas songs
We're gonna have a party tonight
i'm gonna find that girl
underneath the mistletoe
we'll kiss by candle light
Room is waiting
records playing
all the old songs
love to give
oh, i wish that
every day was christmas
what a nice way
to spend the year
Merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
merry christmas everyone
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