This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
From Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield;in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults,and with my song I give thanks to Him.”
With lyrics written in 1708 by English minister and hymn writer, Isaac Watts, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” provides an enriching complement to Psalm 28. Watts fashioned this hymn from the verses of Psalm 90. You are encouraged to listen to American singer, Bing Crosby, as he presents this stirring hymn.
Christmas is the celebration of the keeping of a promise . . . A saving promise.
From Luke 2:8-11: Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
Michael Card (born 1957) is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his contemporary Christian music. He has also authored several books.
From Isaiah 7:14: “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.”
Courtesy of Pinterest.
God’s plan of redemption
Viewed through love’s transforming scope
Faithful virgin shall bear His Son
Fulfilling flame of eternal hope
God’s warm heart offers love
Promised Prince at Heaven’s gate
Empty darkness shall fill with joy
Breathing from cold, humble stable’s fate
God’s peace nurtures man’s trust
Filled with mercy’s lasting grace
Sacred Word witnessed in Son’s flesh
Living waters share love to embrace
God’s creation speaks truth
Blessed news fills shepherds’ ears
Advent’s greatest virtue breathes love
Silencing night, morning’s sun appears
Light born in Bethlehem
Delivered hope sharing peace
Angels’ unbelievable joy
Praising Savior’s love, shall never cease
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.
The final hymn of this Advent series comes from the inspiration of American pastor and Christian writer Phillips Brooks. Recalling his 1865 trip to Bethlehem, he wrote the lyrics for “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868.
From Matthew 5:1: “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He began to speak and taught them.”
Courtesy of Pinterest.
Father’s Word becomes flesh
Now living among man
Gentleness of potter’s hands
Fulfilling promised plan
Truth found in Savior’s voice
Faithfulness, heaven bound
United as one Body
Traversing common ground
Touched by Messiah’s grace
Forgiveness now descends
Chains of sin breaking away
Finding hope, darkness ends
Christ’s lesson plans share love
Hillside offers classroom
“Sermon on the Mount” teaches
Sowing faith, seeds shall bloom
Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ
His peace shall never end
Always with man in spirit
Blessing each knee to bend
Courtesy of Pinterest.
From Matthew 28:20: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many”
From Isaiah 41:1: “Listen to Me in silence, O coastlands;let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak;let us together draw near for judgment.”
From Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint.”
