A Love of all things painted

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Spirit ...

It seems when the holidays come along, I find all kinds of reasons to clean and reminisce.  As I was going through my photo albums, I found a book stored along with the albums that I really love.  It's title is "Leaves of Gold".  I purchased it years ago while thrifting and since I love books, especially ones with poems or quotes, I pulled it out of its hiding place and started reading.  I found a sweet verse called "Christmas Spirit" by E.C. Baird.  Now, I do not know E.C. Baird but I love what he wrote and wanted to share it with you today.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - I am the Christmas spirit!
I enter the home of poverty, causing pale faced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser's clutched hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven in magic.
I cause eager fee to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears - tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak, just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit!!

Isn't that beautiful?  Christmas - probably the only word in the English language that can immediately bring a smile to the face no matter the age.  The excitement that stirs in every soul - not for anticipated gifts but for the presence of loved ones, the memories of those who have passed, and for the love that both have brought to our lives. 

I wish each of you peace in your heart this Christmas season.  And much love and happiness in the coming new year.

11 comments:

  1. It is beautiful, Brenda! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  2. Merry Christmas and may you have a wonderful NEW YEAR
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  3. So pretty!


    My Entry, happy pink Christmas from my family to yours!

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  4. Dear Brenda, just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing and thank you for your friendship. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and blessings in the new year.
    Love to you,
    Celestina Marie

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  5. That is a beautiful poem. I love the way the Christmas reaches into all our lives and homes. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  6. So glad I was able to come by tonight. This is a lovely poem.
    I wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
    Love
    Maggie

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  7. Christmas blessings to you!!! May your New Year be the best ever! Such a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing sweet Brenda~

    Love to you~

    Rebecca

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  8. What a beautiful poem! Wishing you a wonderful New Year..with many blessings coming your way.
    God bless you and your family....keep painting!

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  9. Hi Brenda,
    Stopping by to say hello and wish you a wonderful weekend. So nice to read this poem once again as we enter the new year.
    Hugs and see you again soon.
    XO CM

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  10. Brenda,
    just realized I emailed you from my other email address and you will have no idea who is thanking you for visiting their blog!!!

    So when you see a strange thank you email it is from me!! LOL
    Hugs,
    Dana

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  11. Hi Brenda, and I'm so glad you popped in for a visit. Now I say "hog heaven" too! :) I hope you'll come back to see me sometimes.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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I am so happy you came for a visit and I love reading your comments. I hope you will check back with me often. Until then, I will be at my easel - Happy Painting.