NATIVITY

 

NATIVITY

It's unpacked first

before the rest -

the nativity,

for all to see.

The stable crude

with a cow that mooed

and a donkey gray

laying in the hay.

Perhaps there are fowl

or a barnyard owl.

Maybe sheep and goats

with woolly winter coats.

If you listen you might hear

the barnyard animals cheer

with bleats and brays and moos and coos

or even a cock-a-doodle-doo.

Look inside the stable, there you'll find

Joseph and his wife Mary, so kind,

bending over the manger bed

where baby Jesus laid his head.

The manger, the animals feeding trough,

filled with hay so it wouldn't be rough

was shared by the animals that night.

A night filled with surprise and delight.

Weary from their trip and from childbirth

this night God sent His only Son to earth,

Mary and Joseph sent a prayer of praise

to thank God for His wonderful ways.

For a safe trip through the hills

and a warm place to stay filled

with animals

was special.

There's the angel hovering

who told the shepherds abiding

that Jesus Christ was born

in the town of Bethlehem.

See, the shepherds are here

with lambs and sheep near

to see this Savior

who would bring favor.

For the angel announced "good tidings

of great joy" to the shepherds abiding

and they hurried to Bethlehem

to see this divine newborn.

So awed by this reverent event

the shepherds told whoever they met

all they had seen and heard.

Today this news is still told.

All those who heard were amazed

with wonderment at this new phase

and bore witness of this news.

Good news for me and you.

If you look up in the sky

you'll see a bright star up high

much larger than the rest

coming from the east.

In the distance you might see

camels clumping through the trees

laden with packages to give as presents

from wise men who seek the Christ-child's presence.

These presents we read,

amounted to three:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh -

for a king they were.

Next time you get out your nativity

be reminded of this first Christmas story

for its story never grows old

no matter how often it's told.

* * * * *

There's always something that grabs my attention.

This year it was "glory" that merited meditation.

Luke 2:9 "The glory of the Lord shone around"

when the angel spoke to the shepherds on the ground.

"Glory to God in the highest..."

for God's name is above the rest.

Giving glory to God should be

our catch-phrase until eternity.

Simply say out loud in conversation

"Thank You, Lord," will be honoring.

"God Bless You" upon parting

reminds one God's presence is everlasting.

Then when that day does come

when our earthly work is done

giving God the glory

will be our life's story.

When we do give God the glory

God's glory will shine all around.

So give God glory, instead of worry.

You'll find blessings abundant will abound.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them...

Luke 2:9

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13

God's Gift to Us Christmas

is available via Amazon.

As stated in this poem, the nativity was displayed first before the tree was set up.

The reason for the season.

Every day in the month of December another poem from God's Gift to Us Christmas will be shared.

GATHERING

 

Gathering

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

as friends and family join in one big union

around the table abundantly laden

with the garden's yearly colorful offerings.

But before we partake by dining

we'll offer up heartfelt thanksgiving

by coming together with a connecting

of everyone's hands around the table joining.

There's the large calloused hands of those who labor,

rather fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers,

co-joined with the frail, soft hands of one's great grandmother,

who may join hands with a pudgy-fisted toddler.

There's the hands of the ones who prepared dinner,

perhaps roughened and red from cold weather,

linked with antsy teenagers

who can't wait to eat dinner.

Hands that create

and others that bake

something for dinner tonight

which brings diners delight.

Other times two loving hands connect

though this merging is often too quick.

Fingers wearing rings engraved with "together forever"

and other fingers with scars and stains worn forever.

There are hands dotted with age spots;

lined hands that have seen a lot

of sorrows and joys

as their hands employed.

If only these hands could talk

they'd tell tales that you'd never thought.

Sometimes this familiar joining

is meant to stop fidgeting.

Hands with short fingers still growing,

slender fingers of one blossoming

wearing nail polish expressing

one's individuality often.

Hands that lovingly care,

hands that often share,

hands that burdens bear,

hands daily pressed in prayer.

Hands in all shapes and sizes, eight fingers, two thumbs,

in various shades, belonging to a loved one,

held together for a moment in time -

a familiar tie in which love binds.

Hands joined together with thankful hearts

that one day will no longer park

around this table any longer,

replaced by hands of a stranger.

Yet this stranger one day invited in

becomes family, now known as kin.

This gathering around the table becomes

to new family members a heartfelt welcome.

May this day as you gather together to eat

become a time when hands reach out to greet,

to connect with a loving heart

before dining begins to start.

Holding hands in prayer,

thanking God for His care,

then God's goodness share

through abundant fare.

* * * * *

Have you ever thought about God's hands?

Every day they uphold men and women

and care for His beloved children

for in God's hands there is a saving plan

to sustain and protect all humans

across all countries and distant lands.

He's got the whole world in His hands...

He's got you and me brother in His hands...

He's got you and me sister in His hands...

He's got the little tiny babies His hands...

He's got the whole world in His hands...

Here's some selected verses from Psalms

on which to quietly reflect on

about God's awesome hands.

Hands which fill us with songs

with grateful thanksgiving on our tongues

giving praise to God to whom we belong.

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

Psalm 18:35

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;

he answers him from his holy heaven

with the saving power of his right hand.

Psalm 20:6

My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15

If the Lord delights in a man's way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

In your majesty ride forth victoriously

in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;

let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Psalm 45:4

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8

You hold me by your right hand.

You guide me with you counsel...

Psalm 73:23-24

Your arm is endued with power;

your hand is strong,

your right hand exalted.

Psalm 89:13

For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The seas is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

Help me, O Lord my God;

save me in accordance with your love.

Let them know that it is your hand,

that you, O Lord, have done it.

Psalm 109:26-27

The Lord's right hand is lifted high;

the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!

Psalm 118:16

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 138:7

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever -

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8

Life Is a Garden Party

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The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving

in this blessed country we’re living

our kitchens are a-flutter.

Don’t forget the butter.

The day before Thanksgiving

there are pies baking in the oven

with cinnamon and allspice.

Doesn’t it all smell nice!

The day before Thanksgiving

the turkey’s still defrosting;

butternut squash is ready for roasting

when the pies come out of the oven.

The day before Thanksgiving

there’s day-old bread for cubing

to mix with poultry seasoning,

causing some to be sneezing.

The day before Thanksgiving

celery and onions are sauteing

to be added to the stuffing

or do you call it dressing?

The day before Thanksgiving

the refrigerator’s stuffed with everything.

In fact, each one’s favorite foods for eating,

as everyone is preparing for a day of feasting.

The day before Thanksgiving

the pretty company dishes need a quick washing,

perhaps the tablecloths or linens need pressing –

and there doesn’t seem to be time for everything.

The day before Thanksgiving

our country is preparing

for a day of feasting

with much thanksgiving.

* * * * *

The day before Thanksgiving

with thankful hearts we’re intent on giving

a prayer of gratitude overflowing

for much more than the food we’re busy cooking.

We’re thankful for our loved ones,

those near and those far from home,

for those added to the family

and those now in eternity.

We’re thankful for everyone’s health

regardless of what has been dwelt -

for adversity teaches us to trust,

growing our faith, which is God’s best for us.

We’re thankful for freedom to worship

with others in like fellowship,

to pray for one another

and encourage each other.

We’re thankful for God’s Word

which helps keep us moored

in choosing to do what’s right,

to stand firm in faith, not sight.

We’re thankful for God’s Word which keeps us nourished

so that our faith will grow strong and flourish,

as God’s Word is food for the soul -

sustenance to keep us well and whole.

We’re thankful for …

(be sure to discuss what you’re thankful for).

Foods, which God created to be

received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and who know the truth.

For everything God created is good.

I Timothy 4:3-4

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Thankful for squash seeds from butternut squash.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

THANKFUL

 

I'M THANKFUL FOR

I'm thankful for skies of blue

and the morning's sparkling dew

covering blooms that grew

in a rainbow of hues

every morning like bright jewels

making for a pretty view.

I'm thankful for birds that flew

and to hear them sing coo coo

for songs brighten my day anew

giving me a much clearer view

of God's goodness to me and you.

Is it the same for you too?

I'm thankful for rainbows, too,

and the sunset's golden hue

for both are God's jewels

sent to me and you

as promises anew

of God's faithfulness true.

I'm thankful for days rainy and cool

for rain greens the grass to look like new

and fresh vegetables will grow anew

in a rainbow of colors, it's true.

One day they'll make a healthy stew

to keep me safe from the flu.

I'm thankful for cattle that moo

and for animals that live in zoos

where they are cared for by a crew

of working men and women who

enjoy their work each day anew.

You should plan a trip to the zoo.

I'm thankful that everyday is a school

where I always learn something brand new

or perhaps something I once knew

for I tend to forget, it's true.

Is it the same way for you too?

Learning gives us a clearer view.

I'm thankful for garden tools.

Some purchased, some like new

given by friends who knew

I needed a helper to

control how the garden grew.

Tools are helpmates and cool.

I'm thankful everyday, it's true,

but not for insects, they're cruel,

nor for those bucks and does who

visit during the night to

eat my garden's view.

It's like my garden woos.

I'm thankful that when bills come due

I'm able to pay each month anew

for God supplies all my needs, it's true,

and many of my selfish wants, too.

Did you know God's Word says we're His jewel?

I know God is faithful to you too.

I'm thankful for the Creator who

provides and protects me each day anew.

Who proves His love for me, it's true,

by His faithfulness sent from above to

bless me and those I love anew

with His best as we follow God's rules.

I'm thankful for celebration's ado

with Valentines sent from you know who,

Easter baskets filled with surprises new,

Halloween when children say boo to you,

then Thanksgiving when we review,

Christmas - God's gift to me and you.

I'm thankful when it's your birthday too

when a special cake is baked for you

to be shared with those who love you

celebrating you with much ado.

My, how the years flew

when the young ones grew.

I'm thankful everyday there's always something new

to be thankful for. I'm sure you already knew.

Being thankful is a mindset to see what's true

then daily dwell on that truth each day anew

until thankfulness resides in you.

Being thankful will chase away the blues.

I'm thankful for many friends who

were sent by God for He just knew

who I would need when He sent you

and blessed me with the gift of you.

May God always bless you

with peace and joy anew.

* * * * *

And may each and every day you too

find much to be thankful for anew.

Being thankful gives us a new view

refreshing us like cool morning dew

while worries, over which we stew,

weigh us down like sticky glue.

Remember this rule:

Thankfulness rules!

It's a jewel

of many hues -

physically, emotionally, it's true,

mentally and spiritually too.

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks to the Lord,

for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Thanks be to God!

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:57

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

BARE

 

Bare

The deciduous trees are bare,

striped down to their underwear.

Skeletons they now wear

seen under the moonlight's glare.

Two days ago the trees did wear

a head covering of leaves shared.

Then during the night a heavy frost, like white hair,

settled on those autumn leaves unaware.

Yesterday these golden leaves floated down midair;

steadily they gathered on the grass there.

Whereas two days ago they floated solitaire,

one by one their cycle of life declared.

To watch these leaves trickle down in the open air

its peaceful, while inside sitting in an easy chair.

Soon, though, work awaits there

as gardeners are not spared.

A leaf rake and a set of elbows prepare

to relocate those leaves scattered in a pile there.

Leaves for composting as gardeners show they care

for the environment by recycling leaves snared.

Each autumn gardeners find there's more leaves to ensnare

as annually these trees produce more leaves to share.

Yearly raking is an autumnal affair.

Year after year gardeners learn there's more wear and tear.

For elbows kink, I declare,

I huff and puff hot air,

My nose drips off and on in the fresh air,

plus there's more raking tomorrow – so beware.

All winter long these leafless tree skeletons bare

will stare through the window showcasing their underwear

while the gardener enjoys warm gingerbread baked with pears

in front of the fireplace toasting their tootsies bare.

* * * * *

Old timers declare if trees are especially heavy-laden with leaves

then the winter will be exceptionally cold – like near-zero degrees.

Another adage passed down, if oak trees are heavy with acorns

then the upcoming winter will be colder than norm.

This is one of God's ways He provides for His creatures.

These creatures that scamper all season with tails of fur

collecting nuts to bury for the coming winter.

These creatures which wisely prepare all summer.

Take time to watch the squirrels today

for God's creatures teach us each day

to save or prepare for the future.

Saving pays dividends, for sure.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

The borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

This squirrel found a free dinner - squash seeds.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SHINE

 (A potential song.  I hear a bit of "Born Free.")

 Shine

Refrain:

Always be loving, patient, and kind

for God’s purpose for you is to shine

as ambassadors in the family of faith

always illuminating God’s truth.

God’s purpose for you from your birth

is to shine like stars in the universe,

to be a shining light in the darkness

so be a light and shine, shine forth.

Shine in the midst of your troubles

proclaiming that God is able.

Others will see your example

for when life seems to be impossible

they need a light that shines forth

showing them troubles have worth,

giving hope in their heartache,

bringing God’s peace to their hearts.

Refrain

Shine in your words, deeds, and actions

for others you’ll be attracting

as you shine bright with God’s light

always proclaiming what’s right,

offering encouragement

to those you have met

with loving understanding and

often giving a helping hand.

Refrain

Others will see your passion

when as a star you do shine -

so shine bright as the stars

today right where you are.

God’s purpose for you from your birth

is to shine like stars in the universe,

to be a shining light in the darkness

so be a light and shine, shine forth.

...shine like stars in the universe...

Philippians 2:15 (NIV)

Christmas Gifts:

 Thinking Christmas gifts:

All available via Amazon.

 

Raking

Raked yesterday.

Rain late today

makes for more raking another day.

Actually for several more days

for more leaves fall each day

to be raked on sunny days.

Another morning there’ll be a freeze.

Plop-plop, plop-plop-plop more leaves

join the pile of fallen leaves

of golds, rusts, and browns which please.

Listen: look up - the skyward honking V’s

of south-flying geese each fall tends to please.

Something we can count on

every spring and autumn

are the geese honking – heard overhead, then gone

as they wave goodbye, on to greener pastures – so long.

Talking about colors, do notice the sky is the bluest blue

this time of the year (orange opposite blue on the color wheel), it’s true.

It feels good to stretch when raking these fallen leaves

though the pile is disturbed if there’s a breeze.

This afternoon’s breeze

is just a tease

as one rolls up their sleeves.

A-choo!!! is often sneezed.

Before you know it, the afternoon is over

as daylight savings time on the calendar

makes nighttime come earlier

which usually makes bedtime sooner

as gardeners need sleep for restored energy

for tomorrow’s various activities.

Not just because raking waits

but because it seemingly takes

much longer to do less when awake,

every gardener seems to contemplate.

So early they rise every morning so they’re not late

as much work awaits to do beyond the garden gate.

* * * * *

After much raking

comes Thanksgiving -

a time to recount one’s many blessings

with thankful hearts we’re celebrating.

A time to give thanks to the Lord,

for Whom without we cannot afford,

for His faithfulness to us each day.

“Thank you, Lord,” we should daily pray.

For God’s unconditional love to us

despite our lack of faith and waning trust

for His love never, ever wavers.

After all, He sent us a Savior.

For His grace that enables

when it seems we’re unable

to remain strong

in the face of wrong.

For His forgiveness

when we confess

we’ve chosen wrong

and made the wrong turn.

For God’s comfort in trials,

troubles, and physical ails

while learning that God can use our troubles

to encourage someone that God is able.

For God’s patience with us time after time

for God knows we often have fearful minds,

yet waits for us to come to the end of our self

then finally call on Him for needed help.

For His continual mercy though undeserved,

knowing there’s nothing we can do to deserve,

which teaches us to be merciful to others

as God reminds us to “bear with one another.”

For God’s compassion,

new every morning,

ensures us we are loved

while teaching us how to love.

For these and so many more,

Dear Lord, we are thankful for

our abundant blessings

new and true each morning.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Because of his great love for us,

God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ

even when we were dead in transgressions –

it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4

My grace is sufficient for you.

II Corinthians 12:9

You are a forgiving God,

gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love.

Nehemiah 9:17

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

II Corinthians 1:3-4

He is patient with you,

not wanting anyone to perish,

but everyone to come to repentance.

II Peter 3:9

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin...

You do not stay angry forever

but delight to show mercy.

Micah 7:19

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Life Is a Garden Party

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