THE STORY OF OTHER WISE MAN. by: Henry Van Dyke Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul, May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are. You know the story of the Three Wise … Continue reading The Other Wise Man – by Henry Van Dyke (Full Story)
The story of "The Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dyke is one of my favorites for Christmastime as it turns on the principles taught in Matthew 25:40 that we should serve our fellow men and women. And isn't that what Christmas is all about? It is fairly long though and so I have just … Continue reading December 14th – The Other Wise Man
Minstrels by: William Wordsworth The minstrels played their Christmas tune To-night beneath my cottage-eaves; While, smitten by a lofty moon, The encircling laurels, thick with leaves, Gave back a rich and dazzling sheen, That overpowered their natural green. Through hill and valley every breeze Had sunk to rest with folded wings: Keen was the air, … Continue reading December 13th – Minstrels
In celebration of Charlie Weasley's birthday today I've decided to include Harry Potter (and the Sorcerer's Stone, specifically) in our 25 Days of Christmas Reading list! Yes, I know, it's not technically a Christmas story. But hey, it feels Christmasy. Maybe it's the snow covered castle, or the twelve trees Hagrid brings into the Great … Continue reading December 12th – Harry Potter
Christmas Carol by: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow When Christ was born in Bethlehem, 'Twas night, but seemed the noon of day; The stars, whose light Was pure and bright, Shone with unwavering ray; But one, one glorious star Guided the Eastern Magi from afar. Then peace was spread throughout the land; The lion fed beside the … Continue reading December 11th – Christmas Carol (Longfellow)
Ring Out, Wild Bells by: Alfred Lord Tennyson Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light: The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, … Continue reading December 10th – Ring Out, Wild Bells
Ever wondered where Santa Claus comes from? (Besides the North Pole of course). Saint Nicholas was a Bishop in ancient Greece who was noted for his generosity, here's a little tale from around 300 AD showing just how generous he was. I think you'll see some obvious similarities! The Legend of Saint Nicholas Ancient Folktale … Continue reading December 9th – The Legend of Saint Nicholas
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by: Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the … Continue reading December 8th – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Obviously I can't post the whole story here, that would definitely land me a lump of coal in my stocking. 😉 But here is the last, and my favorite, page (spoiler alert): At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even … Continue reading December 7th – The Polar Express
Quick note, this is obviously a Christmas carol that is usually sung rather than read, but I feel like the words are often lost in the music, even though they are equally as powerful, if not more so. So take a second to read them real quick, they give me goosebumps every time. 🙂 Angels … Continue reading December 6th – Angels from the Realms of Glory
LJ Koopmans - Writer 