A Wise Man Named Joe

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And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 ESV

“What’s for dinner honey?” I said with a laugh knowing that it would be lentil soup for its third and final performance. During those first years of marriage, (circa 1975) our food shopping was a low-cost adventure. So, with Christmas not far away, even putting up a tree with decorations was something we couldn’t afford. That year, Christmas Eve was pay day and at four thirty I waited in line for my check. “Merry Christmas” My boss said winking as he handed me my envelope. “There’s something extra in there for you tonight.”  

I peeked inside and drew a quick breath in astonishment. “Wow thanks Joe! Merry Christmas to you too” I said amazed at seeing a fifty-dollar bill tucked inside! so I drove home through the heavy traffic getting there just before five. “Come on Nancy! Let’s go buy a tree!” I shouted as I ran up the stairs to show her my bonus. Five minutes later we bundled up and drove to a Christmas tree lot where the owner was delighted to sell us a tree for five dollars, just before he closed. Then we raced over to the Woolworth store, where for ten cents each we bought some colored glass bulbs and a string of lights with tinsel. God didn’t have to send the wise men with gifts to make it Christmas; but He did. That Christmas our wise man was named Joe and he left us a special gift on that Silent and Holy Night!

My Christmas Favorites – You will never hear on the radio

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Some of you who follow me know that I am a big fan of both the music and testimony of the Mullett Family. There is a simplicity and honesty about this video that makes me think a lot more about the real Jesus on the real Christmas than slick professional productions. I hope you are blessed with their rendition of the carol of all carols, “Silent Night.”

The second song in this play list may be a carol you have never heard, but it is hardly new. Most famously sung by Selah, it was written by Lowell Alexander in 1992. Though I have listened to this many times, I still shed a few tears each time I listen. I love singing this too, though I will not inflict my version of this stunningly beautiful melody and lyrics. I hope it touches you also and will draw you closer to Jesus.

I have a few more I can’t wait to share tomorrow, but I would love even more to know some little known artists or songs that have touched your heart over the years.

Even Through the Days of Rain

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Aches and pains knocked on my door
And stayed an hour yesterday
Like every uninvited guest
They demanded their own way 

Just as I wondered what was next
 They tired of their game
And slipped out then down the street
Leaving quiet here again

So, I begged God "Please lock my door
Before they come to stay!"
But He answered only "Robins sing
 Even through the days of rain."

But I am afflicted and in pain;
    let your salvation, O God, set me on high!
I will praise the name of God with a song;
    I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:29-30 ESV

Even Through the Days of Rain
By Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2022
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com