2020 December
Jeffrey
B. Childs 12/1/20
Prepare the way of the Lord,
Make the pathway clear.
For the Lord is coming,
The Lord is nearly here.
We all want to be ready,
Do all the good you can.
The devil is in the details,
But God is in the plan.
John the Baptist cries out,
For all of us who’ll hear.
Now’s the time to get to work!
The Lord is drawing near.
When
Your World Is Upside Down
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/2/20
When
your world is upside down,
How
can it be set right?
The
force is strong to keep it wrong,
Changing
might take all your might.
What
are the steps that you must take,
To
move from here to there?
Some
might be easy to undertake,
Many
will be hard to bear.
“It
cannot be done,” some will say,
Others
will hold you back.
With
faith in God who gives you strength,
There
is nothing that you lack.
Take
that first step and then another,
Momentum
you will build,
If
one step slips back, take two forward,
And
your dream will be fulfilled.
We
Don’t Want to Wait
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/3/20
We
don't want to wait,
We
want everything right now.
We
wish that we were able,
To
make it happen somehow.
Christ's
coming is not up to us.
We
can't hurry the celebration.
It
is just too important for,
Instant
gratification.
Teach
us things that we can do,
To
help us while we wait,
To
prepare our hearts and minds,
Lest
we procrastinate.
In
the Midst of Hate and Fear
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/4/20
In
the midst of hate and fear,
Help
us feel your presence near.
God
of love and God of peace,
Help
us all our doubts release.
Hearts
are full of grief and worry,
Lord
relieve us. Come now. Hurry!
We
are trying to just hang on,
Until
this anguish will be gone.
Help
us focus solely on you,
For
only you can see us through.
Guide
us through this difficult phase,
That
soon we’ll see better days.
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/5/20
Give
of yourself, as just who you are.
Give
like the light of the first Christmas star.
Giving
makes a difference for receivers who,
Are
touched by the love that comes shining through.
Giving
is best when it’s done on the sly.
Receivers
may wonder by whom and just why.
Outlooks
may change and dark skies clear,
Anonymous
givers might be anyone here.
Giving
your time might just be the best.
By
giving yourself, you and others are blessed.
Give
what you can, and you can give it all.
God
first gave to us in a small major stall.
Giving
your life doesn't just mean you’ll die.
A
lifetime of giving adds up by and by.
In
the end you'll have given all that you can.
You
have given your life to God's purpose and plan.
At
Year’s End
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/7/20
Give
of yourself, as just who you are.
Give
like the light of the first Christmas star.
Giving
makes a difference for receivers who,
Are
touched by the love that comes shining through.
Giving
is best when it’s done on the sly.
Receivers
may wonder by whom and just why.
Outlooks
may change and dark skies clear,
Anonymous
givers might be anyone here.
Giving
your time might just be the best.
By
giving yourself, you and others are blessed.
Give
what you can, and you can give it all.
God
first gave to us in a small major stall.
Giving
your life doesn't just mean you’ll die.
A
lifetime of giving adds up by and by.
In
the end you'll have given all that you can.
You
have given your life to God's purpose and plan.
The
Lord’s Spirit Is upon Me (Isaiah 61)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/8/20
The
Lord's Spirit is upon me,
To
proclaim to all Good News.
That
in God's favorable year,
We
may glimpse inspired views.
We
see what was unclear before,
In
our deep and darkest days.
God
reveals the light of hope,
To
bring us through the haze.
The
brokenhearted are lifted up.
The
captives are set free.
Good
news is proclaimed to the poor.
The
Lord has anointed me.
Jesus
heard the prophet’s cry,
To
God's people long before,
And
knew that call was also his,
To
proclaim life and life restore.
John
Said, “I'm Not the Messiah” (John 1)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/9/20
John
said, “I'm not the Messiah.”
But
the Messiah was coming next.
John
came to help us all prepare,
Without
a Messiah complex.
We
might shift focus on ourselves,
We
all just might lose sight.
We
are but small reflectors,
Of
God’s one and only light.
We,
too, are not the Messiah,
The
one who comes to save.
Who
forgives and new life gives,
Here
and now, and beyond the grave.
John's
call was just to call us,
To
get ready for the light.
With
God's help may we be ready,
And
be pleasing in God's sight.
Peace
Be with You
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/10/20
“Peace
be with you,” is what we say,
Passing
the peace on the Sabbath day.
We
hear the reply, “and also with you.”
May
Christ’s peace remain the whole week through.
Perhaps
we need to say it more,
As
we move through the week or go to the store.
For
out in the chaos there is not much peace,
It
is desperately needed for violence to cease.
As
a receiver of Christ’s peace and love,
Be
a channel that link others to God above.
Sharing
with people God's mercy and grace,
In
your acts of kindness may they see God's face.
May
the peace of Christ not just be with you.
Allow
it to flow to others through you, too.
For
out in the world there's a desperate need,
Pass
the peace by your actions and each loving deed.
The Innkeeper’s Tale
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/11/20
I will always remember
that hectic day,
When two strangers came
my way.
All the inns in town were
full,
They were no strings left
to pull.
Well, maybe there was a
little space,
Away from the crowd that
filled my place.
Out in the back where the
cattle lay,
That was all the room I
had that day.
Tenderly he led her out there,
To a quiet place that
they could share.
With all the animals
gathered around,
They lay on the hay upon
the ground.
In the night under a starlit
sky,
Out in the manger did a
baby lie.
In the midst of the darkness,
a little boy,
Embodied for all God’s delight
and joy.
Shepherds came asking at
the door,
Seeking the child, they
might adore.
Angels had told them to
come and see,
This child who would save
humanity.
The Prince of Peace Comes
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/12/20
We wait to welcome the
Prince of Peace,
Who comes to make
hostilities cease.
He who made angry waves calm,
Heels our pains like a
soothing balm.
The Prince of Peace comes!
May peace begin deep in
our hearts,
In spread to all other
body parts.
From us may it spread on
out to others,
To all our hurting
sisters and brothers.
The Prince of Peace comes!
The Peace of Christ be
now with you,
Pass it on by all the
things you do.
By your actions you can
help buffer,
The hurts and pains that
others suffer.
The Prince of Peace comes!
Through an act of
kindness or a kind word,
The Peace of Christ maybe
inferred.
But just in case the
meaning’s not clear,
Remind each one that the
Christ is near.
The Prince of Peace comes!
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/14/20
Prayer connects us in
spiritual ways,
God, the one prayed for, and
the one who prays.
We give thanks to Jesus
for this connection,
Through his teaching,
death, and resurrection.
Jesus taught his disciples
how to pray,
To talk with God about
their day.
To raise to God their
daily needs,
Asking forgiveness for
their misdeeds.
Praying connects us with
God above,
Our souls connect with
God's great love.
The One who made us is
always near,
And whenever we pray is
pleased to hear.
With the ones we pray for
we also connect,
It gives opportunities to
pause and reflect.
And to hear from God what
we might do,
Beyond our prayers we’re
called to act, too.
Allow your prayers to become
a springboard,
To do something good in
the name of the Lord.
You make a difference through
your prayers and deeds,
When your prayers and
actions meet someone's needs.
A Child Is Born (Isaiah
9)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/14/20
A child is born; a son is
given,
By His life and death
sins are forgiven.
All authority is upon his
shoulders,
Of all of this we are
beholders.
Wonderful Counselor he
will be,
Listening to us so faithfully.
Offering to us words to
live by,
Encouraging us new life
to try.
Mighty God He will be
called,
T’was blasphemy to those
appalled.
He will be called the Son
of God
Though He and followers
will be outlawed.
Eternal Father
forevermore,
A personal relationship is
in store.
For those who call upon
his name,
Life will never be the
same.
Prince of Peace is a
fitting name,
In a world of turmoil
this One came.
For all in banishment
from the Fall.
The Peace of Christ now be
with you all.
An Eternal Thing (2
Samuel 7)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/15/20
“Your throne will be
established forever,”
The prophet Nathan told
the king.
Foretelling the birth of
the Prince of Peace,
Whose reign over our
lives we sing.
In David's hometown of Bethlehem,
Where he’d been a
shepherd boy,
The angels would come to
descend,
Telling shepherds of
great joy.
Perhaps it is full circle,
Or a royal linage line.
A shoot from the stump of
Jesse,
Becomes the one true Vine.
We are all thus interconnected,
Through our savior’s
grace and love,
With all loyal subjects
here on earth,
And ancestors who dwell
above.
We are all brothers and
sisters,
Of the Christ who is now
king.
Our relationship is both
personal.
And also an eternal thing.
Prophets and Angels (2
Samuel 7 & Luke 1)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/16/20
Prophets and angels share
God's word.
Be an angel and share
what you've heard.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
King David was told to
abandon his thought.
Building God’s home was
not his lot.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
God’s home would be among
humanity.
As one of us God's home will
be.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
The angel brought Good News
to Mary.
She would conceive and God’s
Son carry.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
We celebrate all that God
has done,
But most of all the birth
of God's Son.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
Make room in your world
and in your heart.
Like prophets and angels now
play your part.
Christ has come to earth
this day.
Christ has come with you
to stay.
God Is with You
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/17/20
In the darkness of the
night,
In the struggle and the
fight,
When things are bad and
getting worse,
Just repeat this little
verse,
“God
is with you!”
In confusion when all
seems lost,
Or in desperation at all
cost,
Seek this thread that
gives you hope,
Remember this at the end
of your rope,
“God
is with you!”
These tribulations are
just a test,
Stretch your muscles and
do your best,
You can do more than you
think today,
God strengthens you when
you pray,
For,
“God is with you!”
Thank you, God
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/17/20
Thank you, God, for
another day
Thank you, God, that I
can pray
Thank you, God, just want
to say
Thank you, God, that all
is OK
Thank you, God, for being
you
Thank you, God, for help to
get through
Thank you, God, for
making all things new
Thank you, God, for all
you do
Thank you, God, for
loving me
Thank you, God, that I
might see
Thank you, God, that I
might be
Thank you, God, that I'm
set free
Thank you, God, for the
gifts you share
Thank you, God, for the
burdens you bear
Thank you, God, for being
there
Thank you, God, for your
loving care
A Dream of Peace (Isaiah 11)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/18/20
Beyond war and fighting a
dream of peace,
When all aggression on
earth would cease.
The wolf will live with
the lamb,
In the realm of the great
“I Am.”
The prophet envisioned
what would be,
When the Kingdom of God
came from Jesse’s tree.
There would finally be
peace on earth,
From an old stump comes a
shoot; new birth.
How might we prepare for
this coming day,
By both what we do and
what we say.
To bring peace to both predator
and prey,
To take the first step upon
God's high way.
John Came to the Jordan
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/19/20
John came to the Jordan
to preach the Good News.
He was not the Messiah do
not be confused.
He was the voice of one in
the wilderness,
Baptizing people when
they did confess.
John would call us to get
ready today.
Straighten out your
pathways he would say.
We need all to be ready
for the one to come.
For Christ comes for all
and not just for some.
So, listen up, people, who
think you've got time.
The awaited day comes,
and it will be sublime.
You don't want to be
caught unaware or unready,
When the Christ comes,
so, be sure and be steady.
Behold! Above There Is a
Star
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/20/20
Behold! Above there is a star.
God is near and not very far.
We are amazed by the
wondrous light,
That shines our way in
the dark of night.
By the starlight we see
the way,
We follow the light by
night and day.
Point out that light, share
Good News, do your part
Search for a reflection
in each loving heart
We come to the manger and
to the cross,
We celebrate wonder and
grieve the loss.
When we finally reach the
empty tomb,
Like the lily flower our
faith does bloom.
Through birth, life, and
death we go.
Throughout this journey
our faith does grow.
In this journey of faith
we have come far.
It all began with God’s light
and a star.
I Will Rejoice
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/21/20
For all the Lord has done,
I will rejoice,
With thanksgiving I'll lift
my voice.
For God has done
marvelous things,
And for this my heart
joyfully sings.
I will rejoice for God's
always there,
When I am lost or lost in
despair.
God shines a light that I
might see,
And catch a glimpse of
eternity.
God is with me through
thick and thin,
God's mercy forgives me
and every sin.
And so, I thankfully lift
my voice.
Forevermore I will
rejoice.
To the Temple (Luke 2)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/22/20
To the temple the Christ
child was brought.
Two birds for a sacrifice
had been bought.
Simeon was there and he
had heard,
That he would not die, had
been God's word.
He would not die till the
Christ he'd seen.
How long had he watched,
how long had it been?
But now here at last this
child was brought in,
The one who would save and
overcome sin.
Anna was there and
pronounced as she stood,
For all would hear she
shared what she could.
She spoke about Jesus and
to her how it seemed,
That Jerusalem now would
be redeemed.
What might you have said if
you were there?
What of your faith with
others would you share?
What keeps you from
sharing a good word today?
Share your faith with
others by what you have to say.
Lord, Help Me Listen
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/23/20
Lord, help me listen so I
may hear,
What you are whispering
into my ear.
What are you saying to me
today?
What are you saying when
I stop and pray?
In the roar of thunder
high in a cloud,
Help me hear your shouts
thundering loud.
In a gentle breeze
rustling leaves on the trees,
Help me hear your voice
in all of these.
Lord, help me to hear the
cries and the needs,
That I might help through
my humble deeds.
When someone pleads for
help today,
In your name what might I
do or say?
Peace on Earth
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/24/20
Once again, we celebrate Peace
on Earth.
It comes to us by a
baby's birth,
In the midst of all our
stress and pain,
It washes over us like a
gentle rain.
Like a soft blanket that
covers us up,
Like a warm beverage in
our favorite cup,
Like a tender hug or a
loving embrace,
Peace on earth puts us now
in a good place.
Allow it to bring you that
feeling of peace,
Let all agitation and
turmoil just cease.
For a moment enter into
the manger scene,
The Prince of Peace is
there – see and be seen.
The Christ child sees you
just as you are,
Where you have been and
how you'll go far!
May this moment of
clarity for you now ring true,
And the Peace on Earth be
spread by you.
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/25/20
Two
people are struggling down the road,
She
carrying a child he a heavy load.
Like
so many others going to pay the tax,
They
head for an inn where they can relax
But
there is no room nowhere
And
there is no one who seems to care.
Then
one innkeeper offers the last place,
The
stable out back becomes sacred space.
Here
on the hay, they find peace and rest,
The
duo becomes a trio as the world is blessed.
The
Savior of the world is sleeping on the hay,
Salvation
has come down to earth today.
How
Long Is the Night! (Isaiah 21)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/26/20
How
long is the night!
When
we are held by grief.
We
long for brighter days,
When
at last, we find relief.
In
this darkest time of year,
How
long is the night!
Daylight
hours are very short,
Winter's
cold has gripped us tight.
How
long is the night!
When
we long for better days.
But
whether it is dark or bright,
We
will sing to God our praise.
God
Is Love
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/27/20
God
is love,
Which
we do feel,
And
so, we know,
God
is real.
God
is love,
And
to be loved.
In
this our faith,
Can't
be shoved.
God
is love,
We
share with others,
Neighbors
and strangers,
Sisters
and brothers.
God
is love,
God
loves us more,
Then
we can imagine,
Or
knew before.
God
is love,
Thank
God that's true.
We
love because God,
Loves
me and you.
We
Are Commanded Not to Judge
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/28/20
We
are commanded not to judge,
Lest
we be judged likewise.
Love
God and neighbors is the law
To
live this way is more than wise.
Using
Scripture and our Tradition,
Experience
and Reason all do lend,
Discernment
is the spiritual gift,
That
guides us in the end.
We
should not be disagreeable,
When
on things we disagree,
In
essentials there should be unity,
In
non-essentials charity.
Arise!
Shine! (Isaiah 60)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/29/20
Arise!
Shine! Your light has come.
The
light is for all, not just for some.
Reflect
the light that you have been given.
That
others will know they are loved and forgiven.
Arise!
Shine! Your light has come.
For
all the world from top to bottom.
God
so loved the world that God gave,
A
Son, the Messiah, the One who would save.
Arise!
Shine! Your light has come.
Darkness
by the Light is now overcome.
God's
glory will shine throughout the earth,
The
old has passed through Christ’s birth.
Magi
Come to Honor a King (Matthew 2)
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/30/20
Magi
come to honor a King,
Gold,
myrrh, and incense they bring.
The
infant into a child has grown,
His
identity is becoming known.
This
King who is but yet a child,
Has
stirred things up, King Herod is riled.
He
will try to destroy this One,
He
will try to kill God’s Son.
The
magi bring Christ valuable things,
And
their story down through the ages sings,
Of
how these travelers came to see,
The
King of Kings who had come to be.
What
might we bring to this child today?
What
might we do and what might we say?
For
we too are pilgrims upon a quest,
When
for this Child we do our best.
In
this story what might we see?
That
helps us be what we might be?
As
storylivers and tellers today,
What
will our story reveal and say?
Another Year
Jeffrey B. Childs 12/31/20
Another year has come and
gone,
May good old memories
shine.
We closed the books on another
year,
And sing of Auld Lang
Syne.
Some friends have passed
in this past year,
Were births and weddings
too.
Though some’s a haze, there
were good days,
By God, God’s seen us
through.
We take a look at the
year ahead,
And every hopeful sign.
At when this coming year
is done,
We'll give thanks for
Auld Lang Syne.
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