By Chris A. (and a little help from AI)
‘Twas the season of Christmas, when all through the land,
Temptation was stirring, a fight close at hand.
The heart grew uneasy, the mind felt the strain,
But Christ came to free us from guilt and from shame.
The stockings were hung, the tree stood with care,
Yet loneliness whispered its sly, sneaky snare.
But friends from Castimonia surely are near,
With a call or a text to let you know, “we’re here.”
The season of renewal, redemption, and grace,
Invites us to pause, let Christ take His place.
For “the old has passed away,” says the Word,
Through Him, we’re made new; redemption is heard.
Temptations may linger, with shadows that grow,
But “I can do all things,” His promise does show.
In weakness, His strength becomes our great shield,
To Christ be the victory, our battles all yield.
So set firm your boundaries, plan out each day,
With trusted believers who’ll walk in His way.
Join a call or a meeting to bring sin to light,
And guide us through darkness, and guard us at night.
Fill moments of silence with service and love,
As Christ served the world from His throne up above.
Practice Step 12, give your time and your care,
And feel your own burdens grow lighter to bear.
Remember your “why,” say yes to God’s best,
For freedom in Christ gives the soul holy rest.
The chains of addiction, He’s broken and torn,
So live in the life for which you were reborn.
Invite Jesus in, through prayer and through tears,
Confess all your struggles, release all your fears.
And remember this journey is made for a team.
Don’t go it alone; you may not succeed.
When the emptiness whispers, “You’re still alone,”
Let Christ’s voice remind you: “You’re fully My own.”
The gift of this season is not earthly cheer,
But God with us—Jesus—our Savior so near.
So, as you face Christmas, take heart and believe,
Through Him, you’ll find strength; in Him, you’ll receive.
Not just to survive but to truly now thrive,
For Christ is your hope—His Spirit alive.
And I heard Him proclaim as He wiped every tear,“
My grace is sufficient; I’m always right here.”
