(Click the Play button to hear Russell read the poem)
Little Freddy gazed wistfully Into his father’s eyes, Who knowing little boys, Found questions no surprise.
“Dad, why do people act different at Christmas? They make it a joyful day, But if that’s the way they’re supposed to be, Why aren’t they always that way?”
On the surface the question seemed simple enough, And Dad answered with a smile, “People act that way because …” Then he paused and said, “Son, let’s talk for a while.”
He said, with his arms around the boy, “To see why we act that way, We have to begin by asking ourselves, ‘What happened on Christmas day?'”
“Oh, that’s easy,” the little boy replied, “That’s when Jesus came!” “Right!” said Dad, “He brought life To all who call upon His name.
At Christmas the world seems attracted To doing things God’s way Because they remember, just like you said, Christ came on Christmas day.
‘More blessed to give than to receive,’ They quote the Master’s voice. And they sing carols ‘Christ is born,’ And truly they rejoice.
But, then the season passes And another year begins And they no longer feel that way Because of all their sins.
Only in those within whose hearts Jesus really lives, Can His Spirit keep producing The joy He really gives.
Maybe someday, Freddy, you’ll come face to face with God, Looking back behind you, At the road that you have trod,
You’ll find that something’s missing, Something deep within. That’s because, by nature, Every man is born in sin.
Freddy, a sinner needs a Savior, And you’ll find it’s really true This Jesus Christ of Nazareth Came to Earth to die for you.
So you’ll tell him you’re a sinner, And you’ll ask Him where to start. And He’ll answer, ‘Freddy ask Me Into the manger of your heart.’
Freddy, then you’ll realize, Much to your surprise, In a Christian’s heart the Christmas spirit Never, never dies.”
“Daddy,” little Freddy asked – His tears were a joy to see – “I’ve got a little bitty manger, You think He’d come to live in me?”
The light in his eyes reminded his Dad Of a star that shown one day. How it came to rest directly above The manger where Jesus lay.
You see it in the eyes of everyone Who’s taken Christ in his heart. It’s an outward sign of an inward joy That only Christ can impart.
Perhaps you’ve never received Him. Won’t you give Him your heart today? And the light in your eyes will tell the world, “At last I have found the way!”
Then each of us and all of us Can pause ‘neath life’s Christmas tree, And show the world a portrait Of what Christmas was meant to be.
And together send a greeting, To our special little friend, Saying, “Merry Christmas, Freddy! Now Christmas will never end.”
