We were sitting at the green dining table; it was the end of November and the conversation was about the schedule for the Christmas Holidays. The kids were little and we talked of the 24 days of Advent with each opening a window on their very own calendar, the family’s advent-candle wreath, the church’s advent Sundays, how we were buying presents for each other, secret presents from Santa, Pleasant Dreams, stockings on Christmas morning, Christmas Day starts the twelve days of Christmas with a family present/activity every day, Epiphany, etc. – all adding up to the first wonder-filled 37 day celebration…now known as 37 Days of Christmas
The family meeting was over and as I was standing up, when young Trailand asked, “Daddy, when will God give his presents?” Today’s “whisper” of a song is my attempt to answer his question about 22 years later. Thank you, Trailand for helping me answer your own question!
– Doug & Trailand
God Gave His Presence At Christmas
Words and Music by Douglas C. Eltzroth
God gave His presence at Christmas
Not wrapped in paper or ribbons and bows
Not under the tree but under the stars
Wrapped up in old swaddling clothes
Chorus:
God gave His presence to show that He loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas
We opened up the attic door
Bringing down the season’s joy
Boxes full of ornaments in various conditions
Untangling lights and tangled hearts
Bringing back the memories lost
We’re handing down another round of delicate traditions
God gave His presence at Christmas
Not wrapped in paper or ribbons and bows
Not under the tree but under the stars
Wrapped up in old swaddling clothes
God gave His presence to show that he loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas
Unwrapping thoughts of old beliefs
Hanging up a homemade wreath
Musty smells stir dusty tales of forgotten old surprises
Anticipating Christmas Eve
Sleep the night in pleasant dreams
When child-like faith and hopes awake
before the sun arises
God gave His presence to show that He loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas
© 1995 Douglas C. Eltzroth c/o http://www.collage.org
37 Days of Christmas 