Christmas Presence

My uncle, Jim Beerley, is an amazingly talented musician, singer and songwriter. Although he rarely talks about it himself and most people don't even know how gifted he is, we in his family are very proud of him. He wrote a song called Christmas Presence that I would like to share with you all.

Uncle Jim speaking at Lemuel's 2011 Leadership Retreat

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
by Jim Beerley

I’ve never met a shepherd or wise men from afar.
I’ve never been to Bethlehem or followed shining stars.

I’ve never heard a heavenly choir of angels as they sing,
or heard the world rejoicing at the tidings that they bring.

Who’s ever known a virgin rock her baby off to sleep?
And who’d believe a King would make His bed among the sheep?

And I fear that somehow Christmas will get lost in lullaby,
unless we are committed to share it with our lives.

So with a warm smile, a gentle touch, with a cup of water given in His name;

With a word of hope, an extra mile, give the presence of Christmas every day.

For I do know broken people and their dreams that slipped away;
Those who fear the darkness, those who curse the break of day;

And I’ve heard the cry of hunger that still haunts my memory,
and I’ve seen great injustice that drives me to my knees;

And I know a greater mystery than can never be explained;
the poverty of riches, the loneliness of fame.

Yet to one and all, whether great or small, we’re called to enter in,
and be the light of Jesus, make it Christmas once again.

So with a warm smile, a gentle touch, with a cup of water given in His name;
With a word of hope, an extra mile, give the presence of Christmas every day.

They will never find the Savior in their gifts beneath a tree;
When we help someone in need, then Jesus they will see.

So with a warm smile, a gentle touch, with a cup of water given in His name;
With a word of hope, an extra mile, give the presence of Christmas every day.

Let’s give the Presence of Christmas every day.