In my last blog I said that my poem, “The Giving Book,” was just published in a periodical.
But even before I wrote “The Giving Book” I was thinking that I’d never used a “Giving Book” myself to send any money to a charity. So I decided to put my money where my words were.
I just saw that the Red Cross now has one, and I was aware of another one, but can’t remember from whom.
The gift catalog I used was from Franklin Graham’s organization – PO Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607-3000.
I gave some to help a child be able to study the Bible and then receive a New Testament at the completion. There are so many things that touch a person’s heart in these catalogs, and that was one of the ones for me.
I encourage you to do the same, making a donation, according to your ability to give (Holy Bible – Acts 11:29).
Now here’s the full version of “The Giving Book” poem as in my new chapbook,
A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. The foreword is by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of International Christian Center San Jose, California.
The Giving Book
A Currier and Ives Christmas
Is what I’m planning for –
The hearth and decorations,
The wreath upon the door.
The catalogs have already come.
Too many to actually count.
Those chocolate covered cherries,
And Christmas trees that sprout.
And the big ole’ cake,
With candied fruit and nuts,
Comes in that complimentary
Tin from the Season Hut.
But one came the other day.
It was the very best.
The Giving Book,
Had gifts – nothing like all the rest.
These presents are for peoples
All around the world,
To make their lives much better
No matter which flag there unfurled.
You can give these
In the name of someone dear,
To include them
In this Christmas cheer.
You could give a lamb or goat,
Or well to quench the thirst.
There was even a wooden prefab
Old fashioned country church.
There are books for children,
To tell of God’s great love,
And of Jesus His dear Son,
Who came down from above.
Even children who have heart trouble,
To the U.S. they can fly,
To see the doctor – now all fixed up.
So they can live – not die.
Send some fruit or baby chicks.
Teach youth to read and write.
Give some fish to a village,
Which is a great delight.
You don’t have to give for it all,
Part is just OK,
To make someone’s Christmas bright
Is the Christians’ Christmas Way.
Gifts through the Giving Book,
To family and my friends,
Just see the smile upon their face.
One that seems to never end.
A Giving Book Christmas
Is what I’m praying for –
The heart of selfless kindness,
The Christ shines from my door.
— Charles B. Mayes
Copyright © 2011 by Charles B. Mayes. All Rights Reserved.
If you would like to use this poem on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com which can be connected to from outside this site.
I would like to do some Book Readings in the San Jose, California area. If you are interested in having me come to your group, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Also, if you would like to purchase a copy of this new book (22 poem chapbook), A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. 2011, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you about description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements as soon as possible.
Thank you.
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