Thank you military for all the sacrifices you make. May God watch over you if you are not at home this Christmas.
Christmas Where You Are by Five For Fighting –
I’ll Be Brave This Christmas by Big Daddy Weave –
A Soldiers Christmas Song by Danny Rongo –
The Soldiers Christmas Poem –
Christmas In America by Melissa Etheridge –
Someday At Christmas by Stevie Wonder and Andra Day –
Peace On Earth by Casting Crowns –
December Prayer by Idina Menzel –
from 2016
Please take a minute to catch up on the history of the birds: (just click on the links)
Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel
I also have written several following this one if you want to check them out
Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter
Birds Of A Different Color- A New World
Birds Of A Different Color- The Division
Birds Of A Different Color – The Reconciliation
Birds Of A Different Color- Tragedy At Mandalay Bay
It was Christmas Eve all through the land
All the birds stared in amazement at the Christmas tree so grand
The little birds could barely contain their excitement
The older birds looked on, filled with contentment
The eagle remembered how far they have come
He remembered all the work ALL the birds have done
Which made this day an even more special day
He took his place and said: “Birds, I have something to say”
“I’ll keep it short since tonight the little ones can’t be up late.”
“It has been a long time since we chose to love instead of hate.”
“It was a lot of work to repair our broken relationships.”
“As you all know, it hasn’t always gone to script.”
“We have learned from our mistakes, our experiences.”
“We have learned to work through our differences.”
“We have returned this land to the way it was created.”
“For that reason alone, tonight we ALL should be celebrated!”
“We are gathered here today because of the one who was born.”
“Who also died for us, tattered and torn.”
“As some of us birds are getting older,
We know we can’t carry this land on our shoulders.”
“We must teach the next generation
That love is the only way to rule this nation!”
All the birds started to sing
A beautiful sound that caused a gathering
All the animals from the forest came
The deer, the rabbit, the skunk and others you know by name
They gathered around the Christmas tree
They held hands and all sung with glee
The sound reached near and far
Then humans arrived, by foot and by car
They couldn’t believe their eyes
It was then they started to realize
Everything they thought they knew had to be ruled out
Because right there was a hawk singing with a field mouse
There was a bear beside a deer
There was a sheep standing by a wolf with no fear
There was a fox right beside a hare
All these beautiful birds were there
They could hardly believe their ears
When the animals said: “There is nothing here to fear!”
“Yes, at one time we were all enemies!”
“We decided to let love rule our hearts until our eyes could see!”
Then the humans held each other’s hands
All the different people across the land
Blacks and whites, Muslim and Christian
All races, all people, could see the animals vision
The eagle then spoke once again:
“One last thing to say my friends.”
“To move forward you must move on from the past!”
“You have to live as last is first and first is last.”
“Let every man, every woman, every boy, every girl
Know what it’s like to have peace in this world!”
“Let ALL our voices join together as we sing Silent Night!”
Then they sang Joy To The World and We Wish You A Merry Christmas
I can only say it’s all true, as I was there to witness
All the birds of a different color
Helped all the people discover
Instead of fighting they should ALL join hands
Because love is the only way to rule the land
Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a love filled night
art credit: Peter Rabbit
Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson –
My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant –
Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band –
Join With The Angels by Matthew West –
Little Drummer Boy/ Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowie –
Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys –
Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers –
My Wish For Christmas by R Kelly –
Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles –
Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon –
The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath –
Love Is Here by Laura Story –
A Joyful Noise by Little River Band –
Wish List by 7eventh Time Down –
Love Can Build A Bridge by The Judds-
Prayer Of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan –
Silent Night by Pentatonix –
Joy To The World by Jeremy Camp –
We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Celtic Women –
I know, way behind so you will get week 2 today and week 3 Friday. Take a listen to a few and maybe find a new favorite.
First Christmas Without Daddy by Alabama-
It’s Finally Christmas by Casting Crowns-
This Is The Heart Of Christmas by Jonathan Cain-
Greatest Gift by Alabama-
When I Think Upon Christmas by Hillsong –
When We Are Together by The Tenors –
Untanglin’ The Christmas Lights by Brady Rhymer-
Christmas Peace by Brady Rhymer-
One Little Christmas Tree by Sister Hazel –
Christmas Eve by Gwen Stefani-
I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and my lord and savior. I believe that Mary was a virgin who gave birth to the savior of the world. I believe that Jesus was born in a little town called Bethlehem. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe that He rose on the third day. I believe that Jesus will come back again.
I believe that Jesus is the light in this dark world. I believe in God the Father. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe You are three in one. I believe that You are love.
I believe in You. I believe in You. I believe in You.
This I Believe ( The Creed) by Hillsong Worship –
We Believe by The Newsboys –
Believer by Audio Adrenaline –
Believer by Capital Kings –
Yes, I Believe In God by Rebecca St. James –
I Believe by Mali Music –
Even When I Can’t Feel It by George Strait –
I Still Believe by 7eventh Time Down –
Do You Believe by 7eventh Time Down –
Some people say I do not have a sense of humor. I find a lot of things funny, just like I find a lot of things sad. I just stay at an even keel and don’t get too up or too down. I don’t show a lot of emotions.
But this story from a devotional I am reading on perspective made me smile and I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy.
Appreciating the King
An elderly lady was well-known for her faith, and for the bold way she talked about it. She would stand on her front porch and shout, “Praise the Lord!”
Next door to her lived an atheist who would get so angry at her proclamations he would shout, “There ain’t no Lord!!”
Hard times set in on the elderly lady and she prayed for God to send her some assistance. She stood on her porch and shouted, “Praise the Lord!! God, I need FOOD!! I am having a hard time. Please, Lord, send me some groceries!!”
The next morning, the lady went out on her porch and saw a large bag of groceries and shouted, “Praise the Lord!!”
The neighbor jumped from behind a bush and said, “Ha Ha!! I told you there was no Lord. I bought those groceries. God didn’t.”
The lady started jumping up and down and clapping her hands and saying, “PRAISE THE LORD! He not only sent me groceries, but He made the devil pay for them!!” (From God’s Little Acre)
Appreciation in the right direction can make an incredible difference on a person’s perspective.
The Christmas stockings were hung with care
Some were extraordinarily beautiful, others ordinarily fair
Some were hung by the chimney
Others were hung on the tree
Some were made with bright colors
While others must’ve been bought for a dollar
Some had lights that shined so bright
Others even glowed in the dark of night
Some had glitter that sparkled from time to time
None of these comes close to describing mine
On my wife’s she had written a bible verse
One of my daughters had Santa on hers
Another daughter made hers with good cheer
While another finished hers by writing the year
When we were all done we were quite pleased
Then we joined hands and prayed for the least of these
But back to the stockings galore
There’s so much to say, so much more
Some had to be at least three feet long
When those are filled, I hope the nail is strong
Some are just a little bigger than my foot
For mine, I gave Santa a list, in case he needed my input
Some are made with love, paint, and glue
Some are quite fantastic while others have a mistake or two
Some were stitched and crocheted with extreme care
Others looked like they came out of the drawer by your underwear
Some had stickers of Santa and Rudolph and such
Others had just a name, but that was enough
On that Christmas morning, I learned a thing or two
From these Christmas stockings and I’d like to share with you
It doesn’t matter what the outside is
Because there is one thing I know and it’s this
It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside
Because the outside is just a brilliant disguise
What matters the most the outside tries to hide
What really matters is what’s on the inside
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how many presents under your branches are for me?
How many presents are under the tree for Jesus? It is his birthday. He is the reason for the season.
What presents can you give to Jesus you wonder? There are many and I bet you have never thought of them. Maybe some of you are giving Him these presents every day. Maybe some of you give them one day and take them back the next.
Present one: trust. Do you give him all your trust? Do you trust him even when things are going bad? Do you trust his plans for your life? Do you trust him completely, 100%? If not, maybe this year is the year you give him the present of your trust.
Present two: your heart. Do you give him your heart? Does he come first in your heart? What does your heart treasure the most? That new job promotion? Your wife? Your football team? This season put Jesus first in your heart.
Present three: love people. Do you truly love others? Do you know your neighbor’s names? Have you forgiven those that have hurt you? Have you reached out to people that may not know about Jesus? Do you live your life that will lead other people to Jesus? Are you making disciples?
Present four: family. Is Jesus part of your family? Do you talk to him like you do your spouse or children? Do you share with him your heart? Do other members of your family treat him like he is part of the family?
Present five: time. How much of your time have you given Jesus today? Have you set any time out of your busy day to just spend with him? Five minutes of quiet time with just you and him? Two minutes? One ?
This post was inspired by a devotional I read that really spoke to me so I wanted to share it with you.
What other gifts can you think of that you can give to Jesus? Not only on Christmas but every day.
Where’s The Line To See Jesus by Becky Kelley –
A Gift To You by Kids Worship Childrens Ministry –
Jesus What Can I Give You by Oceans Edge Music –
Give It All by We Are Messengers –
Christmas Must Be Something More by Taylor Swift –
Nothing To Give by 7eventh Time Down –
Little Drummer Boy from the cartoon –
What Is Christmas by Kutless –
Baby Boy by For King and Country –
Give by Jason Crabb –
What God Wants For Christmas by Darius Rucker –
I don’t know why but The Little Drummer Boy has always been my favorite Christmas song. Maybe it is the simplicity of it, one verse then pa rum pum pum pum, then one verse and pa rum pum pum pum etc. Maybe it’s the meaning of it, which to me is the true meaning of being a Christian.
Jesus was born, a gift to us. He was born to die. He sacrificed Himself for our sins. Because of His birth, and then His death, we can live forgiven. A gift given knowing that we could not repay it. We can come to him no matter who we are or where we are from. No matter what we look like, dress like, what kind of car we drive or whatever home we live in. Come as you are! A little shepherd boy came with the only gift he had, he could play his drum for him. He played his best for him. Then Jesus smiled at him. Jesus wants us to believe in Him and accept Him into our hearts.
Maybe it is the message from the last scene of the cartoon. Jesus changed his heart of hate to a heart of love. Take the time to watch the last five minutes here :
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Five five five five five five what rum
five five five five five five what rum
five five five five five five what rum
five five five ahh
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give a king, pa rum pum pum
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, what five five five rum,
On my drum?
(five five five-part)
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
(pum pum pum part)
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix –
Christmas will come
No matter what you’ve done
Whether you believe or not
It doesn’t matter if you forgot
He came to fulfill His obligation
There is no need for negotiation
Many said He wasn’t God, they lied
He was born, He lived, He was crucified
Christmas is about His birth
He came to show us our worth
Born with silver spoon or born in a slum
Have no doubt Christmas will come
It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor,
Find it in your heart or in a store
If you live in America or Tel Aviv
It doesn’t matter what you believe
If you have or haven’t heard of Him
Whether your light is bright or dim
Santa Claus is not the reason
That we celebrate this season
If you can buy ten gifts or none
Have no doubt, Christmas will come
A long time ago on a cold December morn
A beautiful, wonderful baby boy was born
To save this world of our sin
And that death would not win
Many years after His manger birth
He taught of ways not of this earth
To get to Heaven He is the only way
He forgives the times we sinned today
With the pounding of a drum
Have no doubt, Christmas will come
When we are down, our spirits He will lift
In all our wants we only need one gift
That was given to us free of charge
The cost of His death for me was too large
For me to live, this gift I must accept
I will live for Him, I will never forget
With the softness of a hum
Have no doubt, Christmas will come
Lights, trees, ornaments, presents
Christmas coming did not represent
Love came down, a star shined bright
Darkness was overtaken by His light
It doesn’t matter where you’re from
My dear friends, Christmas will come
Do you believe?
Do you deceive?
Some may try to stop it or delay
But you can’t stop His birthday
No matter how far away you run
Jesus Christ is here, He did come
It doesn’t matter what you’ve done
Have no doubt, Christmas did come
Christ Is Come by Jeremy Camp –
Christmas Is Coming by Jason Gray –
All Things Collide by Brad & Rebekah –
You’re Here by Francesca Battistelli –
Even So Come by Kristian Stanfill –
The King Is Coming by Newsboys –
That Day Is Coming by The Collingsworth Family –
Come Lord Jesus by Dustin Kensrue –
For All The World by Phillips, Craig and Dean –
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, you know Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you know Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint? Of course you don’t, because most of you have not heard of the great reindeer revolt.
It was December 17, 1938. Exactly seven days before Christmas Eve. As you would expect, the North Pole was extremely busy getting everything ready for the big night. All the elves were making the last of the toys for all the good girls and boys. Santa was checking his list, then checking it twice just to be sure no one was missed. Mrs. Claus was busy making snacks for everyone. The reindeer were finishing up the last of their training exercises.
Maybe it was because the reindeer were tired or maybe they felt they weren’t being respected enough but for whatever the reason, some of the reindeer decided they had had enough. Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint had enough and decided they were no longer going to work on Christmas Eve. “We work every Christmas Eve and we are tired of it. We want to stay home and enjoy the evening with our families. All of us should join together and tell Santa no more.”
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen all said no. “We are not going to revolt against Santa. How can you do this? Think of all the children. We work one night a year. We have 364 days to relax and take vacations and do whatever we want. We enjoy our job and traveling all over the world and seeing all the decorations and the children eagerly awaiting our visit.”
This was not the first time that Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen had seen a bad attitude from Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint. In fact, over the last six months they had seen many warning signs. They tried talking to them, but never seemed to get anywhere. Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint had even started calling Rudolph names and would not let him play in any reindeer games.
All the reindeer argued and fought for several days. We are right and this is what we are going to do. No, you are not right, we are right and we will stand our ground. Back and forth, back and forth it went.
Finally, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen decided that this could not go on. They made a very difficult decision, one that did not come easily and one that made them very sad. These reindeer have been friends their entire lives but they no longer saw eye to eye. They told Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint that they could no longer be friends. They didn’t want Santa to think they were revolting too, just because of who they were friends with.
Santa saw what was going on and felt very sad for the reindeer. But, he too, had to make a very difficult decision. If Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint did not want to fly on Christmas Eve, then he was not going to force them. But he knew he needed eight reindeer to fly.
He held tryouts and four reindeer stood out amongst the rest. They were Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. They joined forces with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen and became the eight famous reindeer you know today. Minus Rudolph of course, he would join the team a little later.
That is why you have never heard of Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint. That is why a year later that Johnny Marks wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with its famous opening lines of which you know. You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, you know Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, and the rest is history.
That is also why you should be wise and choose your friends wisely. You will be known by the company you keep.
Friends by Blake Shelton –
I’ve Got Friends That Do by Tim McGraw-
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by –
My God, My Music, My Life 