Light
Overcoming darkness
No longer hurting
Binding up each wound
Jesus
Landscape’s
Gentle breeze
Spirit’s encouraging breath
Trusting each righteous whisper
Peace
Sunrise
Trust always
Calming journey’s storms
Navigation welcomes God’s steering
Deliverance
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.
The spiritual life is a life beyond moods. It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
From Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice“
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
From Psalm 118:1: “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!”
Giving thanks, praising Father
His enduring, steadfast love
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Embracing grace from above
Kneeling in daily prayer
Father listens with patience
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Transforming our impatience
Taking refuge with Father
His righteousness leads forthwith
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Overcoming evil’s myth
Surrounding witness of light
Father blazes road ahead
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Nourishing with daily bread
Grasping wisdom of Father
Skies no longer full of gray
Faith today, hope tomorrow
Directing our best, His way
From Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Patience is not simply the ability to wait–it’s “how” we behave while we’re waiting.
From Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. “
Joyce Meyer (born 1943) is an American Christian author and speaker.
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.”
World’s hopeful emotions
Searching for inner peace
In midst of life’s struggles
When will this darkness cease?
Peace waits for Messiah
Unlocking hopeful light
Goodwill comes upon man
Bethlehem’s star beams bright
Hope fills faithful journey
Waiting for Father’s Son
Shall be called Prince of Peace
Darkness cannot outrun
Through precious, promised child
Blessing all with His peace
Emmanuel comes near
Hope renewed through faith’s lease
Father’s steadfast vision
Sending peace upon earth
Man called to trust His plan
Wilderness finds hope’s berth
This poem’s hymn selection comes from “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Finding inspiration from Luke 2:14, American pastor, Edmund H. Sears, wrote these beloved lyrics in 1849.
For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning–not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last.
From Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'”
Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) was an American pastor, Christian theologian, and author. His writings were published in 39 books, which included several different genres.
Clouds of change fill morning’s sky
Hidden in frozen crystal ball
What will tomorrow bring?
Many questions wait to free fall
Transformation rides each wind
Hidden story’s unwritten thread
Others forecast gloom and doom
Some say, better times ahead
Harmony fills every thought
Hidden in history’s playbook
Another bridge, not too far
Truth discovers faithful nook
Joyful peace, flowing with hope
Hidden anthem’s spirited choice
Rodeo’s last mount to ride
Countless answers offer voice
From 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
Our world will sometimes
Turn upside down
Filled with anxiety
Peace faces meltdown
Life’s heavy anchors
Worry weighs down
Sinking ever deeper
Hope lifts at sundown
Father sees darkness
Brings forth His grace
Therefore, humble ourselves
Peace comes to embrace
Father’s mercy beams
Light’s bold outlook
Always caring for us
Hope’s warming chinook
Father’s caring breath
Calls us to cast
Every despondent thought
Faith always steadfast
From Psalm 94:19: “When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
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.”
Chained without freedom’s hope
Slaves to enemy’s grip
Bound in his deception
Lost in darkness, faith’s flagship
God sows fresh seeds of hope
Promised redemption’s road
Light upon wilderness
Blessed revelation’s code
Prayer seeks divine hope
Messenger prepares way
Foretold in prophet’s words
Endless night searches for day
God’s narrative shares hope
His Word shall become flesh
Faith’s promises fulfilled
Harvest’s righteous grain to thresh
New birth of living hope
Forgiveness leads outcome
Salvation shall rescue
Waiting for who is to come
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.
One of Advent’s most enduring hymns is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The original text was composed in Latin during the 12th century. In 1861, English priest and scholar John Mason Neale translated the lyrics into what many Christians recognize and sing today.
The word Advent means “expectation.” What Advent can do for us is create a sense of hope.
From Luke 3:4: “As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.'”
Louie Giglio (born 1958) is an American pastor and Christian author.
Big Sky Buckeye 