December drapes dormant landscapes with snowflake-sequined flair
It kindles in its chill a thrill that contradicts despair
And cheers faith’s frame with hope’s dear Name; Jesus! As once again
Hearts start anew to travel to the town of Bethlehem
December decks earth’s halls with shawls that nature’s shuttle weaves
Where fall-gales doffed treetops, white softness soothes its loss of leaves
And stirs within cages of skin a holy atmosphere
Of peace and love, through knowledge of the Name we hold so dear
December brims with joyful hymns and beauty to behold
Fresh snowfall awes and gently draws us back to days of old
Until we feel the sacred zeal of shepherds and wise men
And yearn to bring the Christ Child King gifts of worship. Amen
December rings the old year out before it brings the new
It rebukes doubt with shouts of joy for what is good and true
And bids us come and see Christendom’s Cornerstone, and laud
The glory of the Gift, where love unveils the face of God
© Janet Martin
2 Pet.1:1-2
To those who through the righteousness
of our God and Savior Jesus Christ
have received a faith as precious as ours:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance
through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
some of the 'hymns' of joy brimming from cookbook lyrics,
due to Christmas celebrations beginning...
(very versatile for switching up the dry fruit and nuts!)
(or, in Victoria's words, melt-in-your-mouth-orange pillows)
(easily done using home-canned fruit)
I loved your poem, Janet! So many wonderful lines to savour. And your baking looks toothsome. Thank you!
ReplyDeletethank-you dear Brenda<3 sending a big prayer-hug across the miles!
DeleteThank you for sharing this poem and the song, Janet. It's been a bit of a struggle getting in the right mindset this year. I especially needed these words:
ReplyDelete"It kindles in its chill a thrill that contradicts despair
And cheers faith’s frame with hope’s dear Name; Jesus! As once again
Hearts start anew to travel to the town of Bethlehem"
"December rings the old year out before it brings the new
It rebukes doubt with shouts of joy for what is good and true," so thank you!
Listening to the song, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight..." that really got me. It's one of those things you've heard a million times and yet, you haven't really "heard" it. I think I'll play some Christmas music today and try listening a bit closer.
Also those "Melt-in-your-mouth-orange pillows" look so good! Might have to try, substituting oat flour for almond (for allergy reasons) :)
He Megan,
Deletethank-you so much for your honest comment! I know exactly what you mean which is sometimes the impetus behind the poem<3 The words from that carol felt 'new' again to me too! I'm so glad you were blessed and that you told me! Praying the hope we celebrate makes our joy complete!! I would love to know if oat flour works!!