2019 December

Advent’s Good News

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/2/19

Advent’s the season awaiting Christ’s birth.

This is a time for us to prepare.

What might we let go, that we might be ready?

Focus on Christ’s coming, that it we might share.

There are people around us in need of Good News.

We are the people that God purposefully chose,

To bring the Good News to struggling lives,

That Jesus has come, lived, died and arose.

To help people begin, we begin at the beginning,

Tell the story of waiting for Christ’s birth.

With confessing, forgiving, and relationship building,

Share Christ’s story and yours for all its worth.

What Will We Do?

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/4/19

What will we do when the Messiah arrives?

We will celebrate like there is no tomorrow.

Till then how must we live out our lives?

With faith and not doubt, with joy and not sorrow.

For Christ is coming the world to restore,

The high will be made low and the low will be lifted.

Glorify God for there is work galore,

For the work of the Lord, each person is gifted.

It may take a village to raise up a child,

From a manger perspective what might we see?

It may look like an infant so tender and mild,

But we know it takes this one Child to raise humanity.

Get ready it may happen anytime now,

Like wisemen of old let us search for a sign.

Get ready not knowing the when and the how,

Like shepherds at work at the right place and right time.

We Watch and Wait

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/5/19

In this time of expectation,

            We watch and wait.

Filled with the hope of anticipation,

            We faithfully participate.

Days are short, the nights are long,

            We watch and wait.

Straining to hear the angelic song,

            Inviting us to participate.

Days are frenzied, there’s too much to do,

            We watch and wait.

Stop, slow down, take a breath or two,

            So we can just participate.

God gives us this time that we might share,

            We watch and wait.

Take time with people to just be there,

            Inviting them to participate.

We Watch and Wait

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/5/19

In this time of expectation,

            We watch and wait.

Filled with the hope of anticipation,

            We faithfully participate.

Days are short, the nights are long,

            We watch and wait.

Straining to hear the angelic song,

            Inviting us to participate.

Days are frenzied, there’s too much to do,

            We watch and wait.

Stop, slow down, take a breath or two,

            So we can just participate.

God gives us this time that we might share,

            We watch and wait.

Take time with people to just be there,

            Inviting them to participate.

Long Ago to Mary

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/8/19

Long ago to Mary an angel came,

And in a dream then Joseph heard the same.

Elizabeth’s baby leapt for joy.

Soon would be born God Almighty as a boy.

And thus, each waited through this long pregnant pause,

To see what wonder God soon was to cause,

To bring the vast darkness into a great light.

A star was to be born; another would light up the night.

So here once again we watch and we wait,

For the birth of this Child to celebrate.

With the angels together let us now sing,

Of this Child who is coming, salvation to bring.

Spread the news, go tell all the people,

Ring out with the bells high in each steeple.

Christ is coming and soon will be hear.

Shout for joy “Alleluia” and give a great cheer.

God Help Us See

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/9/19

God help us see in this season of Advent,

As we watch and we wait it’s about being present.

It’s not about presents under the tree,

It’s not what we do, it’s that we just be.

For we are human beings, or that’s what we say,

So be one and just be there for someone today.

Just be that which God created you to be,

For you are a gift of God, don’t you see?

God, help us see what you want us to see,

That we are blessed for all of eternity.

In the beginning You came, and brought all into being,

As You come again, help us see what You’re seeing.

May this world as we know it, be the world nevermore,

May the world now through You become truly much more.

Through the coming of Christ, help us watch; help us see,

A new world created, as You’d have it to be.

An Advent Hymn

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/10/19

Advent is a time for believers to be waiting,

The Messiah whose coming we’re anticipating.

Watch while you wait, right before your own eyes,

What you see in this season might be a surprise.

Did anyone know long ago what they were seeing?

A poor pregnant woman seemed a pitiful being.

Why! In Bethlehem no room’s to be found.

Just let that poor baby be born on the ground.

The extended family extended no hand,

There was no room to be found in this unwelcoming land.

But wait, an innkeeper had a welcoming thought,

And out to the stable the young couple was brought.

This year as we wait, just what might you see,

As your God-given Advent opportunity?

May you see something at the right time and place,

To catch your own glimpse of God’s glory – God’s face.

Faith in Christ

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/12/19

Faith in Christ is what we claim

If we believe in Jesus name

That once and for all our sins are forgiven

Because Christ was born, lived and died, and is risen

We pause and reflect upon his lowly birth

Our faith grows reflecting on what that is worth

God became human; the divine became mortal

For a link, a connection, and the Salvation portal

Heavy burdens are lifted of shame and of guilt

With the coming of Jesus our faith is rebuilt

Not upon ancient laws and all that shall not

but on love and forgiveness and all Jesus taught

We give thanks to God for this time to remember

Take time to prepare again this December

For as Christ came, he's coming again

Prepare your hearts now, for now is like then

Advent Hope

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/13/19

Miracles happen and that gives us hope,

Something will happen when we're at the end of our rope,

Some might just give up and be filled with despair,

While others are hopeful that God will be there.

When there's nothing to hold onto, no tricks up the sleeve,

There is nothing else but to hope and believe.

We do not need a tragedy for hope to arise.

We can hope to see miracles with our very own eyes.

God is present and able to help all who are helpless,

And miracles even happen to those who are hopeless.

As believers then how might we best be involved?

By showing God's hand in each problem resolved. 

In defeat or despair we can hope things will change,

That something somehow can still rearrange.

Things turning out wrong will turn out alright,

We cannot see how but believe it just might.

For God who is with us is with us in this,

Let go and let God for God is who God is!

Advent Joy

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/14/19

“Joy comes in the morning” the psalmist wrote, *

A line to remember and even to quote.

But there are other times that we might enjoy,

And give thanks to God for the great gift of joy.

Joy can be shared wherever it's found,

Joy can be overflowing it can be spread around.

Joy does not happen by resolve or decree.

Joy is something that happens to you and to me.

Joy can happen to us anywhere anytime.

It can overwhelm us with no reason or rhyme.

Whenever it happens take the time to rejoice.

Praise God, spread the news, and lift up your voice

During advent we always light a Joy candle,

In the midst of the waiting as we reach for a handle.

Anticipating the end which we will soon achieve,

And the ultimate joy that we soon will receive.   

* Psalm 30.5

Advent Peace

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/16/19

In the midst of chaos, conflict, and strife

We pray for peace

When tragedies happen in someone's life

We pray for peace

As we light this candle in the Advent wreath

We pray for peace

For those with heavy burdens they struggle beneath

We pray for peace

When time seems so frantic and out of control

We pray for peace

We search for the One our hearts to console

We pray for peace

May the Prince of Peace come and rule everywhere

We pray for peace

May we practice peace in our daily affairs

When we pray for peace

Advent Love

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/17/19

We light a candle celebrating love,

That great gift of God sent from above.

A tiny bundle of love will arrive Christmas Eve,

World changing; life changing for all who believe.

Hope, peace, and joy are all lit as well.

Each in the wreath has a story to tell.

Of the One who's expected; who is on the way,

The One we will celebrate on Christmas Day.

As God first loved us, we should love one another,

In the name of the Christ be an all people lover.

Share the love, spread the news, the Lord is near,

When two or more gather - The Lord is here!

Where Are the Angels

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/18/19

The story begins with an angel,

Who brings to Mary Good News!

A child of God was to be born,

To her if she'd so choose.

And to Joseph one came,

Though to him in a dream.

Don’t divorce but marry Mary,

And help raise this child Supreme.

Each year we hear that Good News,

Of how the angels sang,

Out upon the hillside,

Their glory to God rang.

So where are the angels?

We need them still today.

But would any be listening,

To what now they might say?

Peace on earth still sounds good,

But who really believes?

Goodwill to all people,

Deaf ears hear no sound leaves.

So, open your hearts,

And open your ears,

For angels are singing,

Still to us through the years.

Be an Angel to someone,

Spread the news, share the word.

That the birth of Messiah,

By all people be heard.   

Gloria the Angels Sang

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/19/19

Gloria the angels sang,

To shepherds on a hill.

The Messiah was born,

God's will to fulfill.

The child is not in a palace,

Nor even in a bed.

But in a stable’s manger,

Where the animals are fed.

God has come down from heaven,

To the lowliest of the low.

That God might reach all people,

As one of us here below.

Today we join the angels,

And sing for all it's worth.

For today Christ is born,

We celebrate his birth.

The Innkeeper’s Part

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/21/19

We remember an innkeeper with a minor part,

When there's no room at the inn, perhaps a change of heart.

There is room in the stable but that doesn't seem right,

But it will offer shelter for this wondrous night.

This one who makes room when no room’s to be found,

Makes a way for this child to not be born on the ground.

With a simple solution the nativity will unfold,

And throughout the ages this gesture retold.

But what might it teach us? What might we learn today?

What role in the solution of today's problems might we play?

What might we do for someone who's now in some need?

What difference might we make by a daily good deed?

The stable was there at the right time and place,

So, what's the problem today staring you in the face?

God sees the solution it's there in your heart,

If you’ll just step up and now play your part.

Ring the Bells

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/22/19

Ring the bells for Christ is coming.

Ring the bells for Christ is near.

Ring the bells for Christ is with us.

Ring the bells for Christ is here.  

Praise the Lord for Christ is coming.

Praise the Lord for Christ is near.

Praise the Lord for Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord for Christ is here.  

Sing Noel for Christ is coming.

Sing Noel for Christ is near.

Sing Noel for Christ is with us.

Sing Noel for Christ is here.  

Holiday Travelers

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/23/19

Other travelers that year were out on the road,

To be counted and taxed at the ancestral abode.

Mary with Joseph thus labored pre-labor,

Traveling for her, at this time, was no favor.

In Bethlehem the Prophet Joel had said,

Was where the Messiah would be born and bred.

It wasn't for Caesar, the census, or tax,

It was about the Christ Child, so reader relax.

For today we complain of the hustle and bustle,

Suitcases and packages strain our last muscle.

Home for the holidays causes traffic nightmares,

Tensions and stresses on everyone wears.

It's not only about getting to where you are getting,

It's about being present and letting God letting,

Let God be present in your heart and soul,

Stop trying to control what you can't always control.

Take a deep breath and breathe in God's peace,

And as you exhale let those tensions release.

Just like Mary and Joseph a long time ago,

God is with you wherever and how ever you go.  

Mary Pondered

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/24/19

The scripture says that Mary pondered on these things,

In the Christmas story this phrase most truly rings.

Treasured in her heart are the words the angel sings,

Unto shepherds out in the country God the good news brings.

Mary had done some pondering on what the angel earlier said,

When told of this holy child soon to be born and bred.

Was it for this gift of pondering that God chose her to be Christ’s mother?

Was it how she would treasure in her heart this gift unlike no other?

Reflect and ponder in your own heart just what this story means,

For you this day in your city or town beyond your wildest dreams.

A savior is born ponder that in your heart,

Yes, you have received, pass it on, do your part.

What can you now recall as heartily treasured?

Blessed moments with God as moments are measured.

Our cups runneth over with treasured moments to spare,

Find someone each day your Good News to share. 

Let There Be Light

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/25/19

“Let there be light” is how it all started,

When God spoke these words, the darkness departed.

All creation began with a single light,

All begins anew with a candle this night

In another dark time God offered a new light.

God came to be among us, an upside-down world to set right.

Angels proclaimed it to shepherds as they lit up the night.

Curious shepherds to Bethlehem went to see what they might.

The light of a star brought magi to see,

For the child in the manger is for all humanity.

The light is passed on through dark ages and nights,

As we live our faith and we each share our lights.

This Christmas give thanks for the Light in your life,

And help shed some light on the world's troubles and strife.

Share Christ’s light with those who are yet in the dark,

Share kindness and love. Light a light. Spark a spark.

At Christmas We Remember

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/26/19

At Christmas we remember.

And celebrate with joy.

To earth God's greatest treasure,

Is a tiny baby boy.

We marvel with Mary and Joseph,

Shepherds and wise men, too.

The wonder of this tiny one,

And all this one will do.

We give thanks for all,

God did for us back then.

But we also celebrate,

What God is doing now again.

Today the greatest gift is ours,

And God asks us to regift it.

Receive and share the Good News.

Reach another soul and lift it.  

Living Christmas

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/27/19

Christmas is not just one day

Nor even a short season

Christmas is eternal

And Jesus is the reason

We celebrate a baby's birth

And all who him adored  

We celebrate throughout the ages

Each new year of our Lord

Live each day as Christmas

As Christ comes anew to you

Live each day as Christmas

Doing what Jesus would do

Come before God with singing

Worship and adore

Go and help the helpless

Tend the sick and feed the poor

Joseph Was a Dreamer

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/28/19

Matthew's gospel tells us

That Joseph was a dreamer

Four times he was warned about

Doing something for our Redeemer  

Do not divorce Mary

But take her as your wife

Was in the first dream that

Forever would change his life

A warning about King Herod

And the evil he would do

So to the land of Egypt

The Holy Family flew

When old King Herod died

It wasn't on the nightly news

Joseph heard it in a dream

Return to the land of the Jews

But don't go back to Bethlehem

Came in a dream like the others before

Go up North to Galilee said God

And in answering Joseph was four for four

The Years Have Come and Gone

Jeffrey B. Childs 12/31/19

The years have come, then likewise go.

Some go quickly some go slow.

We take time to pause and to remember,

At the end of each December.

We thank God for all the good days,

And we offer our grateful praise.

We thank God for the bad days, too.

When only with God's help, did we get through.

We look forward to another new year.

We celebrate it with good cheer.

The days will bring us what they will,

And we rejoice, God is with us still.