Once there was a name that mattered more than space,
But now there is an X that often fills the place,
Reserved once for the Savior, the King of all Kings.
Now to Santa, to Frosty, to Rudolph we sing.
While out in the blizzards and cold pouring rain,
Sits the orphan, the homeless, despised, and ashamed.
With our presents, our profit, our margin of gain,
The Christ child forgotten again and again.
Let’s open our hearts as the wise men once did,
Bring Jesus inside and not keep Him hid,
By the trees and the paper, the green and red bow,
To the world of His mercy and love we must show.
Replace the X with compassion and Christ all aglow.
Keith Pierce, 1991.

Most of us have so much to be thankful for this time of year. We have more than we deserve and the thirst for more sometimes drives us way beyond our means. A few years ago, two women were admiring the store front Christmas decorations when they came upon a manger scene in one of the windows. One of the ladies remarked, “Would you look at that. Now the church is trying to horn in on Christmas.” How absurd that was back then and how common it seems today for the world to have this same view. Remember to give Jesus His room this Christmas and don’t forget it’s all about Him! No matter how many are trying to crowd Him out. The mild baby from the manger is coming back in power and might as King of everything! Are you ready to meet Him? The best gift for you and everyone else in your life will be for you to make Him Lord of your life this Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Your county line son of Union and Knox,
Dr. Keith Pierce, Associational Missions Strategist
Clinton Baptist Association
Clinton, Tennessee