From Revelation 7:16-17: “They will hunger no more and thirst no more;the sun will not strike them,nor any scorching heat,for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,and He will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
From Luke 2:1-7: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
From Luke 2:15-16: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger.”
Courtesy of Pinterest.
Love breathes at creation
Stirring throughout darkest void
Goodness pouring from light
Father’s plans fully deployed
Love’s promises share hope
Flowing with peace, yet to come
From depths of Father’s Word
Mercy’s steady, beating drum
Love fulfills prophecy
Abounding in Father’s grace
No longer in darkness
Joy framing faith’s new embrace
Love’s assurance descends
Flowing from Father’s goodwill
Bethlehem’s stirring peace
Silent night, shepherds stand still
Love pours into each heart
Enduring Father sows seeds
Messiah fulfills hope
Light releasing joy’s proceeds
Courtesy of Pinterest.
Advent Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son. Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
English pastor and hymn writer, Isaac Watts, wrote the lyrics for “Joy to the World” in 1719. These verses embrace his interpretation of Psalm 98, which serves as a blessed completion of this Advent series of poems.
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . You have planning, and shopping, and shopping some more.
Then comes cooking, and wrapping and baking galore.
It’s a hustle and bustle that grows every day.
The snowball grows larger and rolls where it may.
You just can’t stop it, so watch out . . .
GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the Lord, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Rest your body and spirit, and then rest in me.
There’s a reason and meaning, a meaning to see.
It’s not parties or Santa behind that one day.
Go slowly and stop now, the star leads the way.
Some may have missed it, so watch out . . .
HE SLEPT ON THE HAY!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
Watch out:
The word of your life, yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Wrap the gift of the baby who brought us God’s grace.
Give His love to the world and to all you embrace.
Tell the world that this baby grew to be the way.
Go slowly and stop now, to hear Jesus say.
Don’t let them miss it, so watch out . . .
MY CROSS WAS THE WAY!
Watch out:
The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .
. . . Still the word of your life can be of much more worth.
If you share with the world to celebrate His birth
Tell the world it’s not Santa, but Jesus who says.
Go slowly and stop now at my cross today.
Salvation is there, accept it . . .
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.
Could you possibly give it?
Could you be that bold?
Such a rich gift; so special and so near.
Could you possibly share it?
Could the truth be told?
(All photos courtesy of Pinterest.)
This guest poem is written by the real Mrs. Buckeye. My wife, Colleen, is the author, and this poem will be included in her upcoming book, Bits ‘n’ Pieces of My Heart. The book is written for young families, and it will include devotions, poetry, short stories, and activities. She expects to publish it sometime in 2024.
From Galatians 6:1-2: “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
From Philippians 4:4-6: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Courtesy of Pinterest.
Offering God’s promises
Distant joy asking, who’s yet to come?
Echoing in wilderness
Voices no longer numb
Faithful witnesses of peace
Salvation’s Messiah now descends
Mercy’s joy-filled tenderness
Lasting goodness shall extend
Holy Spirit rejoices
Promised deliverance emerges
Virgin’s heart flowing with love
Angels praise as joy surges
Rejoice always, now rejoice
Eternity’s spring of love endures
Mankind’s hope shall be transformed
Filling joy from grace, so pure
Each believer investing
Ripples of God’s blessed love invite
Messiah opening gates
Outlook’s joy forever bright
Bethlehem’s joy in shining star
Gentleness in spirit, blessings come
Long-awaited Prince of Peace
Each knee bends, to heaven’s drum
Courtesy of Pinterest.
Advent Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son. Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.
German hymnwriter, Laurentius Laurenti (1660-1722), wrote a reverent hymn which works well with the expectations of the Advent season, but it also looks ahead to the return of Jesus Christ. Here is “Rejoice! Rejoice Believers.”
Big Sky Buckeye 