Christmas Online Writing Contest
33 Live is proud to announce its very first Christmas Online Writing Contest, and we’re looking for the best entry! You have three categories to pick from, a first and second place winner chosen overall (not from each): Fiction-Short Story, Poem and Essay. Your work must center around Christmas in some way and seek to inspire, encourage or provoke to Christ-like action those who read it.
To enter, simply reply to this post as a “comment” (to the left) and put your writing into the dialog box. Please include your name!
All entires must be posted no later than December 18th at 12:00 noon. Pieces will be judged on creativity, originality, depth and ability to effectively communicate the point.
1st Place overall will receive a $50 gift certificate to Borders.
2nd Place overall will receive a $25 gift certificate to Borders.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 19th at 33 Live.
Happy Writing!
Pastor Christopher
Within the Highlighted Parts of it all
by : Gobriella Ortolano
She awoke so early that the sun had not even started to show its bright face on her side of the world. She turned and looked over at her Monster’s Ic. alarm clock. Micke and Sully seemed to happy to be waking her up so early , but it was another day and to many things needed to get done , there was no time for complaints. By the time she fisnished getting ready, the sun had painted a golden musk on the snown covered field across the old dirt road . She took in the image while she finished he morrning tea , and then was on her way to the bus stop.
As she arrived at her place of work , she noticed all the people standing outside of the shops waiting for them to open so they could get the greatest deals on the hottest items. It was only the 24th of November , she could not rap her mind around the fact that these people had such a need to buy these items so badly that they would stand outside the store waiting for it’s doors to open and let in the madness of it all . She watched the people a little bit more and then headed on into work . She watched from her desk on the 34th floor and saw the streets fill up with more people filling up their shopping bags. ” My goodness , it’s a zoo out there !” a couple people laughed while some rolled their eyes ” It’s the meaning of Christmas Johnny , don’t you know that ! The only reason there is such a thing as christmas is for people to shop and stores to meet their record sales for the year.” ” Here, here ” someone chimed in. She sat at her desk shaking her head. She knew that was far from being the meaning of christmas. She sat there wishing that there was a way she could tell them what the real meaning of christmas was , and have them listen . Besides having them all sit down and watch the Charlie Brown christmas story like pre- school kids , she was short on ideas . She knew there was a way though.
A couple weeks went by and the streets began to fill with more and more people each day , ready to buy,buy,buy. She continued to work on finding a way to show the true meaning of christmas , while others in the office spent their free time planning the big christmas party for the company . Another week went by and she finally came up with what she thought would be the perfect idea , and Charlie Brown played no part in it . As the week continued on the workers picked names for the secret santa . ” Hey Addison are you gunna do secret santa this year ?” She looked up from her desk to find a co- worker holding an over sized santa hat with a bunch of folded white paper inside of it. ” No” she said ” I am actaully getting a small gift for everyone in the office this year.” ” REALLY !!! Well Addison that’s your money … I hope whatever it is you get us all , we will like it and it won’t be a waste of your money on your half” she laughed a little ” Don’t worry I have never spent my money on anything better than what I am getting all of you” ” Well , I will be looking forward to seeing what this wonderful gift is Addison”. She smiled as her co-worker walked away.
It was December 22nd , the day of the company’s christmas party . She had arrived 3 hours early so that she could prepare the gifts in time before anyone else got there . Two hours went by and other started to come in the office to place some gifts on others desks . ” What is this ?” a co-worker asked her . ” It’s my gift to all of you” she responded . ” Yeah but what is it ?” It’s a bible ” “Well whats all this highlighted stuff here” She smiled and said ” It’s the true meaning of christmas .. read it for yourself.” Other co-workers began to come in and ask the same question, and she responded the same to all of them . ” Read it yourself, and find the answer to the questions your asking.” The office was quite except for the soft whisper of people reading out loud and the turning of pages . Then after a while someone broke the slience . ” Hey Johnny , I lied … this is the true meaning of Christmas.” She stood there and watched as others nodded their heads in agreement . The office stayed quite the rest of the evening , there was no huge christmas party , and instead they stood around the large office windows eating and drinking ,watching the snow coat the city whie as they all took in the true meaning of Christmas .
> Gobi Ortolano
that was so beutiful and incredible keep it up Gobriella
that was amazing
i will live for christ
“A Walk With The Wisemen” by Mandee Widrick
One snowy evening, I take a short walk
Away from the noisy, chattering talk.
Footprints behind me in the soft snow;
My eyes to the sky as I watch the moon glow.
A Christmas song rises inside of my heart -
The story of wisemen set to depart.
Long distance they traveled following a star
Seeking a King born in the land afar.
He was born in Bethlehem as angels sang praise;
In a stable with sheep and cattle He lay.
Christmas, the day we remember His birth,
The sacrifice He made by coming to Earth.
Trees, lights, and gifts are common the cheer,
But I hope the day’s meaning will always be clear.
As I ended my walk beneath the falling snow,
I looked forward to the chance to share what I know.
To save the souls of sinners is why my King came;
He died in my place……….Jesus Christ is His name.
I remember as a child sitting by the Christmas tree
Hearing words like, “Joyful”, “Dancing”, and being full of glee
I pondered what doth glee mean as a little boy
As the truth was, I really wondered what Santa would bring me for a toy
You see, I have true memories of the real Santa Claus
Because his name was Angus, and he really was my Pa
We’d ask before the sun rose, if morning had begun
Because that’s when we could wake up and really have some fun.
My parents would say, “No, no, no”, the time is not here yet
And I’d hear Pa Angus Santa stumble down the stairs, the toys to set
Being very unmechanical, he would build and curse and make
The toys that Santa supposedly has sent for us to take.
Then they’d say, “It’s time, it’s time, Santa has now come”
And we’d run downstairs hoping that our toys were not dumb
We’d find three-legged horses and wagons with no wheels
Thinking that Santa’s elves got their degree from cereal box deals
But do not fret or think we were sad
For on this Christmas, we still loved our dad
And now, as the seasons have gone and passed
The memories of Santa Pa Angus will always last.
My Reason for the Season
What is this Christmas season?
What is the real true reason?
Every year it’s all the same
What was once new, is now quite lame
The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping
How many presents are bought is eye popping
We’re told to give presents with “love” and with “glee”
But none of this do I really see
We give because we get
Not to see the needs of others met
I hear stories of a Jesus
A baby sent to earth to save us
He came lowly in a manger
To this world a complete stranger
Yet He loved us so much He gave His all
This kind of thing you won’t find in a mall
You can take your toys and presents
All I want is His presence
I found my reason for the season
To forget it now would just be treason
So as you walk along this year
Make sure you take the time to hear
Of a baby came to earth
To give your life its greatest worth.
the first bed of snow
the chance of staying home
counting the days
for when family comes together
spending time with one another
eating dinner and singing the songs
learning the story about this day
a new born child layed in the hay
till this day we pray
telling him happy birthday
the man we pray to is god.
even though it is his birthday
we can not say every one is saying happy birthday
but they still gather on this verry day!
Great work everyone! Keep ‘em coming!
CH
They say You don’t exist
They sit and make their lists
Of all the things they hate about You
And all the things they say You didn’t do.
They wonder at their emptiness
The reason for it they can only guess
Their being is constantly hungering
Their cries can be heard echoing
The reason for their madness, they blame it on You
They say Your Word could never be true
Every day they are driven closer to death
Little knowing You saved them with Your last breath
The real joy of Christmas they’ll never understand
If they did, with confidence they would stand
The ‘reason for the season’, they wonder at the statement
If only they knew just why You had been sent
One day they will realize, You came way back then
Just a baby at first, then a fisher of men
You came wanting just to fill that hunger
The only one who could really be their Savior
After 33 years, your days were fulfilled
You knew from the start that You would be killed
With Your arms outstretched on two wooden beams
All the angels who watched could not silence their screams
Your very life was taken from You
The onlookers laughed and cried as if on cue
In Your eyes one could be so easily captured
You never asked not to be tortured
All for Your people, You came to this earth
On that night long ago, the night of Your birth
Jesus, may I never be ashamed
To call out Your name, to tell of Your fame
I want to reach millions and millions for Him
To tell all the ones who are lost in their sin
There’s hope for tomorrow, don’t be in dismay
Jesus is Yours, if You’ll ask Him today.
They say You don’t exist
But I’m writing my list
Of all there is to know
About Jesus who came so very long ago.
These are some really good pieces of work. God gave us all at least a gift. The gift to write. God’s people wrote the Bible and the words in there are with power and hope. So I’m gonna try to speak some Christmas power and hope to y’all as soon as I can.
Christmas Gift
Christmas tree and presents.
Having over family relative, having no sense.
Snowball fights getting intense!
Gaurding our christmas things in defense.
Welcome to the age of “Happy Holidays.”
Nutmeg to drink and food we eat always.
Treating others with a giving spirit, far or near.
To some, the favorite time of year.
Let it Snow, let it snow! Bring Christmas cheer.
We all laugh ’till we soon start to show a tear.
But this is the time that He thought of me.
Rising to His destiny.
I stand outside into the dark night
and I stare at the stars, shining so bright.
And I remember the times.The present and the past.
Though time will pass,the story will always last.
Welcome to house of the virgen Mary,
who was visited by an angel named Gabriel.
“You will have a son and he will be great.
He will named Jesus and also Emmanuel.”
An’ she listened and trusted God,
like we all should but we do our own way.
“I can’t survive these trials.
I don’t know if I can take it.Make them go away!”
And I say,
“Who are you gonna believe…you?
Or the god who will help you get through?
Joseph and Mary traveling with baby JC.
They didn’t know suspect or see.
The true King’s destiny.
He’s the light on our Christmas Tree.
The two traveled to the Inn.
The Innkeeper said that no more room to be in.
But a place in the barn for them and a manger.
Where baby Jesus is born and sleeping. No danger.
Angel choir singing to the king.
Listen to the Angels sing.
Sheperds seeing the baby and praising him.
Three wise men worhsiping him.
See the star shining so bright.
I see it now in the dark night.
Thank you Jesus for choosing your destiny.
For saving me on Calvary.
That’s really big reason
I’m here this Christmas season.
Welcome winter wonderland.
Hear the Angel band.
Even through our parties and gifts.
Jesus is important out of all gifts.
White as snow my heart is now.
God breathed in me. He showing me how.
Now it’s time to reach and preach ‘em.
To talk about baby Jesus and teach ‘em.
Though my words are not few.
Just want to tell you that God loves you.
I hope you will find him or he finds you.
Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you!!
Ben Taylor
i love god!!!!!!!!
By 12 1/2 years old ,bernadette nevadunsky!!!
christmas is the time to be happy and love that jesus was born in the barn in his manger , right?
well that is very very ture and well god does many wonderful things in our lives right? RIGHT!!!
and going to yuoth events and saturate and creation fest was some of those wonderful things. even when god told my youth pastor - brother to move from to new jersey from texas to come and be our youth leader!!!!
bye! p.s go to my church website http://www.hcf-nj.org
Poem - The Porcelain Christ Child
It is my fifth year here,
At the little orphan home.
My dull blond hair hanging limply,
My gray eyes look like stone.
As I stand staring out the window,
That frosty, dirty window
Looking dully out the window
At the blowing, drifting snow.
Yet in my icy hand I hold
A tiny, priceless treasure.
A little baby in a bed
Scarcely an inch in measure.
I gently trace
His sweet visage
With my bony little finger
And smoothing down his porcelain hair
I kiss him,
But then, I linger.
The thin blanket of blue paint
Smeared over his dear form
Seems to give little warmth
To the babe so faded and worn.
I remember the kind old priest
who had given this gift to me
His wrinkled smile and calm green eyes
Still etched in my memory.
“Little one,” he had said,
Pressing the trinket into my hand
“This is the Christ-Child, you see
And He came for every woman and man
To bring joy and peace to everyone.”
He paused, then added,
“And years later
He would die upon a cross
But He rose again, you see,
And He’s coming back someday,
For you, and also for me.
So, Merry Christmas, little one.”
And he blessed me and walked away
I’ve never seen him
Since that cold, December day.
But I still remember that good old man
And I remember what he said.
I know the One called Jesus,
And how He rose again from the dead.
Now He stands in heaven,
Loving us tenderly,
But I hope that He sends more kind old priests
For little ones just like me.
Old Man Clancy’s gift
It was two days before Christmas and the whole town was busy getting those last few gifts for family and friends. The checkout lines were full. The Christmas tree lots were almost empty, and children ran around wildly, all anticipating the morning of sublime happiness and joy to come. I completely loved Christmas; it was the best time of the year. I mean honestly what boy of ten didn’t like Christmas. The presents, the food, and all the waiting made us nuts about it. Christmas was a day of paradise, no school or teachers, no rules, and snowball fights all day with your friends. Who could ask for anything more! I had already gotten all of my Christmas shopping done. So all of my presents were wrapped and under the tree. I could spend the next two days with my friends, running and playing. As I walked into the house my mother asked if I would like to go to the post office with her to drop off some packages, I agreed and we drove off to town together. On our way into town we passed old man Clancy’s house. Clancy owned the biggest house in the whole town, and the oldest. It was dingy and broken down. The paint was chipped and the windows were mostly shattered from kids throwing rocks at them. All in all it was a creepy house. I had never been on the inside but I figured that it was the same. Old man Clancy lived in the house alone. He mostly kept to himself since his family was killed in a fire seventeen years before. He never really had any visitors that I knew of; he just sat alone in his house all day doing nothing. Most of the kids on the block made scary stories of what he does inside, like weird experiments on kids and things like that. He only came out to get food and wood but since he had no job I don’t know how he paid for them. Maybe it was welfare or something. But when ever we did come out he had his bible in his hand, and he would be mumbling something to himself, probably a bible verse or something. He never did anyone any wrong. Although he was never around to do anything wrong; But the neighborhood kids including me did all sorts of cruel things to him. We threw rocks at his windows … and him. We tripped him; we spray painted things on his house, and we smashed his mail box. Even though we did all these mean things he never got mad, but his eyes would tear up a little and he would say Jesus loves you. Those three little words were all we ever heard him say. Since he did nothing to stop us we kept doing the mean things. But back to the story. We get to the post office and I saw Mark and James having a snowball fight. So I asked mother if I could join them, she agreed and I went over to join the battle. After a few minutes of war we spotted old man Clancy coming down the lane. James decided to start making snowballs with rocks in them. We joined in and as soon as old man Clancy came into range we opened fire. He let out a terrible scream and ran away crying. We kept throwing until he was gone then we highfived and then we resumed the war. Then out of nowhere my mom came up behind me grabbed me by the ear and dragged me to the car. As we were driving away she flipped her lid. She yelled and yelled about how I should be more considerate and stuff like that but I wasn’t listening. We got home and I got spanked and sent to my room. I was grounded for life, confined to my room. So I read comic books for the next two days. Then the night before Christmas I was sitting in my bed just looking out my window at the snow falling. It was a very cold night and the wind was howling. Just then I could see a shadowy figure in the haze. It was old man Clancy with a sack over his shoulder. He walked up to the porch and took something out of the bag placed it on my porch. As he was walking away I ran down stairs put on my boots and coat and went outside. There on the porch was a beautifully carved wooden toy soldier. I studied it over. It was perfect in every way. It had so much detail and on the bottom of the toy I spotted the words Jesus loves you carved into it. I started to smile, the biggest smile that has ever come across my face. I followed him around town and at each house of a child he left a beautifully carved toy. There must have been over a hundred. It finally got too cold for me to bear so I went back to my room and slept with content. The next morning I opened all my presents and poured out my stocking. I was so ecstatic with all the wonderful things that I had just received. After breakfast I asked my parents if I could go to old man Clancy’s to thank him for the gift. They agreed and I ran over to his house. I got there and I walked inside. The first thing that I noticed was that the whole house was indeed the same as the outside, and it was deathly cold. I found my way to the den where I saw an empty fireplace and old man Clancy sleeping in a chair next to it. He looked pale and as I walked closer I found that he was dead. He had no pulse. I ran around the house to try and find firewood too warm up the house but there wasn’t any. I came to the conclusion that he used the last of his firewood to make the presents for the children. I sat down and cried for hours realizing the love and compassion that he had for the children that did him wrong. My mother came to the house looking for me and I told her the story. I bought the old house and fixed it up. I am now 62 and to this day I try to live my life the way he did with love and compassion towards all. And the little toy soldier rests up upon the center of the mantle above the fireplace. Anyone who has ever came to my house and asks about it I have told them the story about how old man Clancy gave his last piece of wood to make the children happy.
ok well here are some stories!
thank you god , that it was not me!
god is awsome in our lives. without him we will be lost, confused. people really need him to succeed in live!people in my school really need god in there live. they curse, talk about people and they even put really bad pictures of other students on myspace!just the other day i was in science class and the Principal and a police officer came into the class! i thinking i hope i was not in troble! but it was not me! thank god for that , but three boys got called out of the class! when they came back one of the boys said to one of the other boy and said ” i can not belive they are going to press charges”. and well after that i walk away!! on wednesday i go to my youth. my oldest brother is the youth leader and well i just really really wish he would put me on leadership! but he thinks i am a little to wield and crazy for my age! and yes i am only 12 and going on 13 in feburary!so i just hope that he lets me go on leadership when i am 13!
so please pray for that and the three boy i talked about in my writing!and keep up the good work!!!!
love bernadette nevadunsky!!
Hello all, if you don’t know me you haven’t been coming to 33live very long lol. I am talking about Weds, I met with God in a awesome way. I am so glad that I can serve with the great leaders(all 20+)of 33live. I just want to thank Bit(Elizabeth Brennen) and her team, For flowing in the holy spirit while leading worship. I know for a fact that God changed lives on Weds. I just want to say I love all of you. Peace
good jod guys!
good jod guys! i have to go to youth to nite so talk to you alll later!