A Christmas shopper’s complaint is one of long-standing.
—Indian Proverb
One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present.
—Indian Proverb
Three wise women would have…
asked directions,
arrived on time,
helped deliver the baby,
cleaned the stable,
made a casserole,
brought practical gifts,
and there would be peace on Earth.
—Indian Proverb
Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart’s possessing, Returns to you glad.
—John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–92) American Quaker Poet, Abolitionist
Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show.
The secret lies in an inner glow.
It’s lighting a fire inside the heart.
Good will and joy a vital part.
It’s higher thought and a greater plan.
It’s glorious dream in the soul of man.
—Wilferd Arlan Peterson (1900–95) American Author
Of course, this is the season to be jolly, but it is also a good time to be thinking about those who aren’t.
—Helen Valentine (1893–1986) American Magazine Editor
So stick up ivy and the bays, and then restore the heathen ways, green will remind you of the Spring, though this great day denies the thing, and mortifies the earth, and all, but your wild revels, and loose hall.
—Henry Vaughan (1621–95) Anglo-Welsh Metaphysical Poet
Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.
—Grace Noll Crowell (1877–1969) American Religious Poet
So here comes Gabriel again, and what he says is “Good tidings of great joy … for all people.” … That’s why the shepherds are first: they represent all the nameless, all the working stiffs, the great wheeling population of the whole world.
—Walter Wangerin Jr. (1944–2021) American Author, Lutheran Minister
When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things—not the great occasions—that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.
—Bob Hope (1903–2003) British-born American Comedian
Once upon a time—of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve—old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house.
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) American Poet, Educator, Academic
It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
—Taylor Caldwell (1900–85) American Novelist
Christmas is a race to see which gives out first – your money or your feet.
—Unknown
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
The earth has grown old with its burden of care
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
When the song of angels is sung.
—Phillips Brooks (1835–93) American Episcopal Clergyman, Author
A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. “Bah!” said Scrooge. “Humbug!”
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
Gloria, Gloria! they cry, for their song embraces all that the Lord has begun this day: Glory to God in the highest of heavens! And peace to the people with whom he is pleased! And who are these people? With whom does the good Lord choose to take his pleasure? The shepherds. The plain and nameless—whose every name the Lord knows well. You. And me.
—Walter Wangerin Jr. (1944–2021) American Author, Lutheran Minister
This is the month, and this the happy morn, wherein the Son of heaven’s eternal King, of wedded Maid and Virgin Mother born, our great redemption from above did bring.
—John Milton (1608–74) English Poet, Civil Servant, Scholar, Debater
‘Twas Christmas broach’d the mightiest ale; ’twas Christmas told the merriest tale; a Christmas gambol oft could cheer the poor man’s heart through half the year.
—Walter Scott (1771–1832) Scottish Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Lawyer
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
—Indian Proverb
Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.
—James Cash Penney (1875–1971) American Entrepreneur
If when we judged others, our real motive was to destroy evil, we should look for evil where it is certain to be found, and that is in our own hearts. But if we are on the look-out for evil in others, our real motive is obviously to justify ourselves.
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45) German Lutheran Pastor, Theologian
As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.
—Eric Sevareid (1912–92) American Journalist, Author
When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow,
We hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago,
And etched on vacant places
Are half-forgotten faces
Of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know.
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919) American Poet, Journalist
Christmas is sights, especially the sights of Christmas reflected in the eyes of a child.
—William Saroyan (1908–81) American Playwright, Novelist
Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.
—Phillips Brooks (1835–93) American Episcopal Clergyman, Author
Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it “white”.
—Bing Crosby (1903–77) American Singer, Actor, Golfer
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