stars of christmas

We welcome glad Christmas, O joyous day!
We remember and celebrate Christ’s birthday.

Light of the World who lit stars, sun, and moon,
Planets and angels sing his praises in tune.

God’s promise to humanity as seen in the sky
The Child of blessing invites us to draw nigh.

The glory of Heaven has come down to earth;
His majesty mangered in barn-humble birth.

The prophets have spoken, their words are fulfilled,
a Savior is born; for our sin, his blood spilled.

Wherever we wander, whether nearby or far,
King Jesus, shine on us! Be our guiding star!

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I wrote this poem for Christmas Day as part of our church advent readings. Photo from Unsplash.

waiting for Christmas

As newlyweds, we’d spent our money on the wedding and honeymoon so our budget was limited. We found an artificial tree on sale and put it up together. I had a few simple ornaments I had made in years past which we used to decorate the branches. We had no gifts under the tree but were happy celebrating our first Christmas together.

When our sons were little boys, they could hardly wait for St. Nick’s Day when we’d open our stockings…what gifts would be inside?  I hung them high, out of reach from eager eyes and curious fingers. Our neighbor bought the boys each an Advent calendar. They opened a window every day to find a little chocolate treat inside; counting down the days until Christmas.

Now that we’re older, we enjoy the waiting…listening to music, looking at light displays, attending grandchildren’s programs. The season of Advent is a special time of holiday concerts and worship services, culminating in the celebration of Christmas Day. We don’t really need any gifts except the presence of Emmanuel, God with us.

anticipation

waiting for return of king

our advent journey

 

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A traditional haiku refers to a season and nature so here’s another…

 

small creatures waiting

under snow’s winter mantle

for coming of spring

 

 

Linking to Imelda’s haibun prompt of “waiting” at dVerse Poets Pub

 

 

 

 

advent reading (4)

Light a candle on this 4th Sunday of Advent

We watch with eyes wide open.

What does a shepherd know of Peace?

God’s comforting word

in dark valley still heard

All:  Since Christ is our Advent of PEACE!

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advent reading (3)

 

Light a candle on this 3rd Sunday of Advent

We watch with eyes wide open.

What does a shepherd know of Joy?

Exiles follow Lord

Until kingdom restored

All: So Christ is our Advent of JOY!

 

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advent reading (2)

 

Light a candle on this 2nd Sunday of Advent

We watch with eyes wide open.

What does a shepherd know of Love?

Sacrifice offered

Blood poured out like water

All:  Yes, Christ is our Advent of LOVE!

 

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advent…a trial by fire

 

At heaven’s high command,

a white-hot beam of purest light

penetrates time and space

to touch our tiny blue planet.

 

Silence is muted by the

wholly alien presence with

whispering whir of mighty wings.

Flesh crawls with palpable wide-eyed terror

as the dazzling creature of holy flame

fixes its piercing gaze on 

a pale, trembling mortal.

 

“Do not be afraid.”  

 

Surprising, melodious words 

uttered by the molten-gold messenger.

But when he speaks again–

eyes lower, palms sweat, and

dry lips must answer with

the total stuttering truth

or risk disintegrating

in ashes and smoke.