The Giver

He did it again. God provided for me again. The past couple of days He gave me the words for my annual Christmas poem.

You might call it an accidental tradition. For some reason, in 1982 I decided to write a poem to stick in my Christmas cards. My parents, like any good parents, loved it, and when the holidays approached the next year, they began dropping hints about wanting another poem for Christmas. Thus, in an effort not to disappoint my parents, I penned another Yuletide ditty, and the tradition was officially born.

For 27 years now, writing a Christmas poem has been on my November to-do list. It didn’t take me long to graduate from that early ditty-stage to truly desiring to write something good — something that would minister to people and point them to the Savior whose birth we celebrate.

Many times the task has felt a little daunting. I still get that feeling in fact. But I’m not sure why. God always graciously gives me an idea or a phrase to get things started and then helps me build the stanzas and craft the words that will convey the message for that season.

Our God is a giver. He gives and gives…and gives again. Not only has He faithfully given me words for my Christmas poems over the years, but He’s granted me words to share with others time and again in other ways, too. He provides the ideas and the help needed to write the posts for this blog twice a week, and for over 11 years, He provided material (usually quoted from someone else) to use on the weekly prayer guides I prepared for our church.

You’d think by now, I’d know not to worry about being able to write something new. After all, I’ve got the ultimate Giver, the ultimate Author, in my corner. I just need to keep looking to Him, to keep asking for His help.

Words, of course, are not the only things that God faithfully gives me. What about you? How has God given to you time and again? Let’s thank the Lord for His gracious provision!

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV

*Flickr photo by D. Sharon Pruitt, Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. This so hits home, Cheryl. Every year, I write a Christmas letter, much in the same vein as my blog writings. I stress over it every year, but in the end, God always provides just the right nugget. I now keep my writings in a special notebook I pull out every year, along with the annual Christmas photo and santa list from that year. The kids love looking back and remembering. I hope we’ll get to see the poem in coming days.

    I hope I’ll have a special writing to share with my readers as well.

    Can’t you just feel the anticipation of Bethlehem in your spirit even now? I sure can. So glad we can walk to the manger together!

    peace~elaine

  2. Excellent. I wonder how many of us there are that put this needless burden on ourselves to do “the letter”, or in your case, “the poem”. He is always so gracious with His provision.

    Like Elaine, I hope we’ll see that poem, too!

    Hugs,
    Melinda

  3. Looking forward to receiving your annual Christmas poem. His word is living and active.

  4. Amazing the things we stress over when we know He will provide exactly what we need.

    Glad you have your poem and can move to the next item on the Christmas to do list.

  5. Cheryl,
    Hooray for your inspiration from above! I don’t write poetry, but imagine it is an even more intimate way to relate to the Almighty and convey God’s message of love and grace. I hope you post it for all of us to see.

    We do an annual custom Christmas card that has become a huge hit with our recipients, but each year my husband and I struggle for the year’s fresh idea. I envy that you’ve got yours wrapped up already!

    Blessings,
    kelli

  6. WOW! I think that is so great that you have so many Christmas poems. Have you compiled them into some kind of book yet? It would be a great keepsake. Others would probably enjoy them as well. :)

    God bless, and thanks for the post today.
    Sonya

  7. Hey all, thanks for all the interest in my Christmas poems. Sonya, not all of them are publication worthy :) but I have included some of them in a Christmas devotional gift book I am working on. Just haven’t found a publisher yet. Right now I’ve heard there are too many such books on the market so may have to wait awhile. If (when!) it happens, you’ll hear me shouting from the rooftops! :)

  8. What does He give me? EVERYTHING!

    I love your idea of writing a Christmas poem. Hmmm. I wonder if it’s too late for me to start such a tradition for myself & my family?

    Thanks, Cheryl.

    Jean

  9. I love your writing, Cheryl. What a beautiful gift.

    Hmmmmm . . . perhaps one of these days you can compile them into a book of Christmas poems . . . and maybe Janeal can illustrate it! ;-)

  10. Jean, I don’t think it’s ever too late to start a new tradition. Hope you give it a try!

    Renae, I have actually written a Christmas devotional gift book that has several of my Christmas poems in it — and Jeneal did some sample illustrations. Didn’t have any luck finding a publisher, though, and have discovered after becoming a better writer that some revisions are needed. In the current market, I think I’ll have a better chance with the second book I’m working on & hopefully will be able to come back to the Christmas one sometime. It’s amazing how you and I think alike so many times! :)

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