CHRISTMAS

高一（ 1）—李一樑

Snow was gently falling as the people of Friedens do forgot ready to celebrate Christmas.

Hans, the shoemaker, did not like Christmas. "It's just an excuse to be greedy," he told Aldo, his pet crow.

That night an angel came to visit Hans to tell him about a special gift, a gift from God. Hans couldn't believe it. A gift from God for him? He knew what he must do. He must have a gift for God too.

He locked himself in his shop, and began to gather silver nails, silver bells, and a piece of red leather - the finest in the land. Hans worked all night and into the next morning. "They're done!" hesaidat last. There sat a pair of tiny red boots, beautiful boots, magnificentenough for a king. On Christmas Eve the only people who visited Hans were Frederickthe mailman, Brig tta the paper seller, and the mayor. After the guests had left, Hans felt sad. He had not received his gift from God.

Then the angel appeared. "Oh, it's you," said Hans. "I had everythingready. But I did not get my special gift from God." "Let me help youunderstand, Hans," said the angel. "Look at that Nativity scene. The real message of Christmas is God's gift of His Son. 'For unto you is born this day...a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.'" The angel left and, all at once, Hans did understand. "'A Savior, which is Christ the Lord!' That is the real gift, for me and for everyone!" Hans understood something else, the gift of giving. He grabbed the boot sand ran outside. "Here, child," he said. "A Christmas present." And he put the red boots on her cold little feet. Now Hans understood why the people of Friedensdorf gave each othergifts and gathered to sing and celebrate at Church each Christmas. "I have received the best gift of all this Christmas!" cried Hans. "ASavior, which is Christ the Lord."

Children Pray:

Advent and Christmas

At the beginning of Advent How dark outside!but see -- a star's in the sky;Mary and Joseph are passing by.So let's light a candle to welcome themas they go on their way to Bethlehem.

We'll light a candle in church each day,We'll light one candle each week and pray.

We'll light a candle at home each day,We'll light a candle each week and pray.

Prayer while lighting the Advent candle:

family prayer for every day of Advent

O God, as light comes from this candle,may the blessing of Jesus Christ come to us,warming our hearts and brightening our way.May Christ our Savior bring life into the darkness of this world,and to us, as we wait for his coming.

MERRY CHRISTMAS