A SHRINERS CHRISTMAS

A SHRINERS CHRISTMAS !!!

By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP
Freelance Writer and Author
Copyright 2020 – All Rights Reserved

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

For some people, the true meaning of Christmas is the warmth and love of our families, a celebration of the home. For others, the real meaning-of Christmas is love for other people – “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” And of course, many Christians think the true meaning of Christmas is that it is the birthday of Jesus.

Christmas is about closeness. It’s a time when families, friends, and loved ones — even those we tend to hold at a distance much of the year — come close together to celebrate God coming close to humans in the form of Baby Jesus. It’s a time to connect with people in special ways,...

As a 32nd Degree Master Mason; Scottish Rite, my fondest memories are those helping people to regain light at the end of a tunnel of darkness, or hope – in a seeming hopeless situation or circumstance. The same is true with Children hospitalized, during the Christmas Holidays, with a deliberating injury, illness, or disease. A number of years ago, which began as a charitable jester has emerged into my annual Christmas tradition. A simple poem was written for hospitalized children at the coveted Shriner’s hospitals, which is now published annually.

I wrote this poem to provide children at Shriner’s Hospital with a lasting gift, the “Gift of Giving.” This poem maintains the legacy of the birth of Jesus; our savior, and the son of GOD. It also maintains Santa Clause, and keeps the “Spirit of Christmas” tradition alive. Every child is special in someone’s heart - a true gift from GOD. It is to Children everywhere whom this poem is written and dedicated:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the barn,
Not a creature was stirring to sound the alarm.
All of a sudden and with a shout of glee,
Ole Saint Nick suddenly appeared , over the trees.
With a booming voice - sounding like thunder,
Ole Saint Nick herded his pulling teams, from way off yonder.
On Apollo, on Big E, on Morgan, on Gator, on Sparky and Chip,
On Dually, on Rocket, on Wild Thing, and Rip.
With the swooshing sound of air passing through wings of Wild Teal,
Ole Saint Nick landed that sleigh, without even a squeal.
The sled was laden with all sorts of toys.
For all the barn critters - the girls and the boys.
New buckets, brushes, combs, and riding pads were there.
As Ole St. Nick went over the critter wish list, bill of fare.
With the speed of the wings of flushing Grouse,
Santa’s elves delivered presents, all over the barn house.
The curious nature of the entire event, is Ole Saint Nicks
tireless years spent; delivering presents to critters and children,
on Christmas Eve.
A Holy and rememberable day, for children and steeds.
All the barn critters woke up at dawn, to the amazement of the presents
and sleigh tracks on the lawn.
No one remembers the arrival of Ole Saint Nick,
But his yearly arrival on this special day, is sure to stick!
Some say Ole Saint Nick doesn’t exist,
Just a fairy tale - told throughout years spent.
I’m hear to tell you girls and boys Ole Saint Nick is alive and real,
He exists in our hearts, is passed on from generation to generation and the
gift of giving makes Christmas and Ole Saint Nick, the best years deal!

“Keep Christ in Christmas - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!”