"Cowboy Christmas"

A countrified tradition,

Was part of yester-year,

When the cowboys’ main ambition,

Was to spread some Christmas cheer.

The ranch folk friend and families,

Would come from far and wide,

Trottin’ through the winter breeze,

On Christmas Eve they’d ride.

For food and fun and merriment,

Twin fiddles filled the air,

And everyone’s so glad they went,

And goodwill everywhere.

Kids a’chasin’ kids around,

Oldsters smile and wave,

All the festive sights and sounds,

And a cowboy gettin’ brave,

Enough to ask that gal to dance,

And of course she says she will,

He never thought he had a chance,

And if a look could kill,

Her Daddy watches carefully,

He remembers to that age,

Her mama takes it prayerfully,

It helps her fear assuage.

But nothin’ like a Christmas waltz,

And nothin’ like young love,

And nobody is findin’ faults,

And lots to be proud of.

And when the egg nog’s mostly gone,

And the kids are ‘bout asleep,

The hugs and handshakes linger long,

And the night is gettin’ deep,

And then all head for hearth and home,

They jingle all the way,

Snow drifts ‘cross the sandy loam,

And soon comes Christmas Day.

The evening wanes, kids tucked in bed,

Gifts set beneath the tree,

Stockings filled all green and red,

A prayer for you and me.

The Cowboy Christmas, all are blessed,

Praise for the Savior’s birth,

God gave to each His gracious rest,

Good will and peace on earth.

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of His servant David.” (Luke 1:68-69, NLT)

Christmas is a festival of praise. All the fun, food, music, lights and fellowship are because God has given us His greatest give- the Savior! God has always been the One who saves, but now the ultimate salvation has entered the world and for one reason- to save that which is lost. How sad that some of those who need it the most seem to feel it the least. And how wonderful it is when someone discovers the love that meets them exactly where they are in order to take them where they have always should have been! The devil lies when he claims to have the best party. Jesus is the Lord of the dance and it’s time we put aside our fickleness and followed Him. Christmas is a good time to get the party started!

Lord, help us join the celebration of grace, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tyler Crow, used by permission. Thanks, Tyler, and God bless you.