You’re here to be LIGHT . . . Shine! Be generous with your lives.
From Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Eugene Peterson (1932-2018) was an American pastor, theologian, and Christian author.
From Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
World stumbling in darkness
God’s promises breathe truth
Shining cosmos bright light
Love’s descendant of Ruth
Heavy, burdensome tasks
Father sees mankind’s plight
Living life without joy
Heavens glow with His light
Son of God, born to us
Wonderful, Prince of Peace
Coming King, righteous reign
Never shall His light cease
Heavenly host praises
Angelic chorus sings
Kneeling shepherds humbled
From Bethlehem, light brings
Emmanuel’s new hope
God with us evermore
Turning darkness away
Light upon mercy’s door
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Even though our culture looks very dark, Christ can use your light to show someone the way to Jesus.
From 1 Peter 3:12: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.”
Today’s poem is a very special guest post and gift from Mrs. Buckeye. My talented wife, Colleen, adds her voice to this Advent season as we both await the birth of our Savior.
A special gift arrived for us!
It came so quietly . . .
. . . perhaps you did not know.
There was no fancy wrapping,
not even a pretty bow,
no ornate frills or glitter,
no festive party mood . . .
. . . Just a tiny, baby boy
born in a stable crude.
He was our Savior King.
He came to earth to bring
God’s gift of love.
God’s greatest gift was giv’n to us.
It was His only Son . . .
. . . perhaps you did not know.
He left a throne in heaven
to come to our world below.
His birth was without grandeur;
a star His only crown;
Just a precious little babe;
our God, to earth came down.
He is our Savior King
To Him all Praises sing
God’s gift, great love.
So, turn your eyes from glittering scenes
with Santa’s presents bright . . .
. . . perhaps you need to know.
Just turn from worldly glitter,
and gaze on that glorious night.
Look there upon the baby
in God’s own Holy light.
Now, look past the party crowds
past shopping to be done.
Look past all worldly things.
Look at the baby king,
God’s Gift has come!
From 2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
God’s heart of mercy provides for us not only pardon from sin but also a daily provision of spiritual food to strengthen us.
From 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Jim Cymbala (born 1942) is an American pastor and Christian author. He firmly believes that God will share His goodness in our lives.
Every . . . falling leaf
Reminder . . . winter’s coming—
Dreaming . . . spring’s rebirth
Winter’s silence speaks
Quiet trees withhold their joy—
Waiting for spring’s call
Tender seedling sprouts
Nature transitions again—
Life reawakens
You need a team. You need people to push you. You need opponents.
Jazz can show us how to work together, while also celebrating our obvious differences.
Wynton Marsalis (born 1961) is an American trumpeter and composer. He promotes both classical and jazz music, and he has spent numerous hours sharing his music and message with young people. He has received nine Grammy Awards.
Photo by Anastasiya Gepp on Pexels.com
Waiting for its urgent call
Winter’s snow waiting to strike
Where is winter hosting fun?
Playing games in the Klondike
School children watch outside
Dreaming of a snow day soon
School’s steady beat marches on
Soon, everyone sings a new tune
Weather forecast predicts snow
Snowplows prepare for battle
But, this storm slides to the north
Hmm, snow dumps on Seattle!
Outside, waiting for a call
Snow shovel dreams of snowfall
Originally published January, 2020.
Be confused, it’s where you begin to learn new things.
Be broken, it’s where you begin to heal.
S. C. Lourie is a British writer, poet, and artist.
From Isaiah 7:13-14: “Then Isaiah said, ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.'”
Seeing life’s uncertainty
Searching heavens far beyond
God’s love offers gift of peace
Sending to earth, Savior’s bond
Tracing roots of future Prince
Sensing blessed hope through time
Bethlehem stable breathes love
Transforming man’s paradigm
Bearing His Son, born this day
Filling Mary with God’s love
Angelic voices praising
Singing with joy high above
Lasting, grace-filled love shall save
Bringing wayward sheep back home
Good Shepherd walking this land
Gifting peace to always roam
Declaring new covenant
Shining with love’s promised peace
Joyous light born in manger
Blessing hope’s faithful, new lease
A contemporary Christian song, “When Love Crossed Over,” shares powerful and inspiring images during this Advent season.
Big Sky Buckeye 