Worries and fears grow
Never-ending appetite—
Consuming spirit
In darkest of times
Winning race with final push—
Running with boldness
Day’s delightful pause
Joyous memories drop in—
Dancing in one’s heart
The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all of the other ages you’ve been.
Because we fail to listen to each other’s stories, we are becoming a fragmented human race.
Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007) was an American writer and poet who frequently wrote about her Christian faith as well as her interest in modern science.
Whether you are retired or looking forward to its arrival, these verses are written especially for you. Enjoy life while taking in retirement’s ride.
Waking in darkness
Morning’s warm greeting
Day ahead calling
Night’s sleep retreating
Challenges waiting
Agenda sleeps for now
Coffee sends greetings
Where’s this morning’s chow?
Sunrise glows outside
Nature’s verses sing
Kitchen fills with warmth
Time’s melody swings
Decisions to make
Day moves by itself
Life in retirement
Tasks wait for oneself
Life now transitions
Driving slower lane
Each day’s gentle pace
Always entertains
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a best-selling American poet, who received many honors for her work. Her love of nature can be found in much of her writing, and it resulted in honors from the National Book Award in 1992 and Pulitzer Prize in 1984.
Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.
If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.
American writer and novelist, Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973), spent much of her early life in China as a missionary. She was widely heralded for her book, THE GOOD EARTH, which was published in 1931. She garnered the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and later the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “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. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and His kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Faithful God’s Holy love
Shining from Bethlehem
Blessed virgin gives birth
In world filled with mayhem
Hope springs forth from God’s love
Filling manger with grace
Messiah born this night
Stable now Holy place
Divine love preaches faith
Sharing Lord’s precious gift
Behold man’s salvation
Satan’s plans now adrift
Peace covers earth’s landscape
Sowing eternal love
Savior’s mission begins
Father views from above
Lasting joy now goes forth
Hearing angels singing
Christ’s love, Calvary’s cross
Forgiveness now bringing
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
Written in 1865 by English hymn writer, William Chatterton Dix, the hymn of “What Child Is This?” is sung by Charlotte Church. The lyrics are based upon the verses from Isaiah 9:6-7, and the tune is “Greensleeves.”
From Zephaniah 3:14-15: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, He has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.”
Looking inward, changing selves
Repenting, reversing course
Searching for life’s cherished peace
Joy spreads from Bethlehem’s source
Reading, praying, reflecting
Preparing our minds and hearts
Beaming starlight in dark times
Joy brightens, world seeks restart
Rejoicing always, Lord is near
Restoring fortunes, Prince of Peace
Renewing tomorrow’s hope
Joy transcends Father’s new lease
Trusting in God’s promises
Waiting with welcoming grace
Singing praises, justice calls
Joy blossoms in this birthplace
Proclaiming mercy-filled peace
Glowing, rising midnight sun
Igniting life’s dormant faith
Joy worships birth of God’s Son
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
“Joy to the World” is frequently sung during the Advent and Christmas season. Written in 1719 by English minister and hymnwriter, Isaac Watts, this hymn has been a favorite for well over 100 years in North America.
The more reverence we have for the Word of God, the more joy we shall find in it.
From Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”
From John 16:20: “Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.”
Frightened, behind closed doors
Sorrowful tears cry out
Yesterday, filled with light
Today, darkness brings doubt
Disciples and others
Bewildered and scattered
Christ’s death crushes spirit
Faith’s fragileness shattered
No place to run toward
Trapped and shut-off from God
Tomorrow’s hope now gone
What makes this picture flawed?
Peter, John, and Mary
Cold, empty tomb proclaims
Resurrection witnessed
Evil’s planning in flames
Sorrow turning to joy
Messiah comes to save
Bloodied cross bears man’s sins
Chains no longer enslave
From John 20:18: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that He had said these things to her.”
Blessed sun rises, starting a new day
A precious day, under Lord’s watchful eyes
Celebrate this day, riding in love’s sleigh
Nothing ever holding back, watching doves fly
Singing of praises, blessing this fresh start
Jesus walking with us, our daily bread
Sharing this day, between loving sweethearts
Together, God’s Word keeps us full and fed
Our love sparks an endless celebration
God’s love filling hearts, fulfilling our fate
Singing songs, with love and adoration
Celebrate this day, love’s delightful taste
Jesus shares His joy, smiling from above
Making our joy complete, filling with love
Big Sky Buckeye 