Joy, joy
Rejoice and be glad
Hearts full, sing praise
Assured and comforted
Good tidings, Emmanuel
Joy
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Poetry
–
Christmastide Journey
Zechariah and Elizabeth upon the path
To them came joyful word
Rejoice, a son to fill their lives
Messenger to prepare the way
Mary and Joseph lead by God
Angel-greeted, faithful, and true
Rejoice, rejoice Messiah to come
Emmanuel, God is with us
Through Nazareth and Judean hills
Arrived at lowly stable
Rejoice, Bethlehem to see the child
Angel-announced and shepherd-followed
From eastern lands the wise men traveled
Followed a shining star of hope
Rejoice, rejoice a king is born
Gifts offered to humble home
To Egypt now, as former time
Now flee, oh flee far from
Earthly king blinded to good news
The story will continue
Jerusalem upon the mountain
Journey on, journey true
Rejoice, oh people of faith
Step now, for Christmastide
Faithful comes a mighty God
Light shines to show the way
Place of shelter, gift of grace
Worship now… upon this Christmastide journey
ENCOURAGE
In word and deed Support
Give hope
Join together Unite
Motivate each other
Thoughtful words Belief
Bring confidence ‘mid doubts
Through life Inspire
Encourage
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Hold Us
Hold us, oh Lord
In your encircling arms
So wide so strong
Hold us, oh Lord
Quiet shelter
Hold us, oh Lord
We rest in You
Your unfailing presence
Hold us, oh Lord
Do not turn away
Hold us, oh Lord
We rejoice in You
Secure and protected
Hold us, oh Lord
Block temptation’s sway
Hold us, oh Lord
When doubts say flee
When fears would darken
Hold us, oh Lord
Your hands to calm
Hold us, oh Lord
Strong ship in storm
Firm tower in battle
Hold us, oh Lord
When our soul would faint
Hold us, oh Lord
We abide in You
Source of life and hope
Hold us, oh Lord
God Eternal
AFFIRM
Support, uphold
You are of value
Above scoff and scorn
Cheer on
Stand beside
Declare as true
For all to know
Affirm
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Light Dancing
Light dancing on splashes
Of gold, red, and orange
Beckons to passers-by.
Greens and browns
Wave their fronds,
Seasons past and to come.
Evening’s chill
Brings thoughts of tomorrow,
As time tolls; prepare!
Day’s warmth
Welcomes memories
Of life, laughter, and tears.
And so we dance,
Welcoming light’s hope,
In quiet contemplation.
And so we dance,
Resting sorrow
In those swaying boughs.
And so we dance,
For life’s joys
In our Creator’s being.
Light dancing on splashes
Of gold, red, and orange
Beckons to passers-by.
ABIDE
Source of life growth
Remain beside
Steadfast and faithful
Resting there
Wait withstanding
Established surrounded
Secure in His steadfast love
Abide
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Who Are You Jesus?
Who are you Jesus …
with your piercing eye
and your kind touch?
Who are you Jesus …
who would call me from my tasks?
… A “fisher of men” you say I will be.
Who are you Jesus …
that my heart should race
just to hear your voice?
Who are you Jesus …
that you would accept one such as I,
… reaching out to touch my hand?
Who are you Jesus …
to welcome me into your family
and challenge me to become?
Who are you Jesus?
Integrity
True to self to God to others
Deeds and speech in honest ways
Ageless word forever prized
Firm in values holding steady
Honorable life
Integrity
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
WINGED FLIGHT
Call of geese as they wing their way
Graceful dance of butterflies
Flitter of a small wren’s tail
Majestic sweep of eagle path
Buzz of wasp, of bee, and fly
Lifting to the warmth of sky
Inhabitants all of this great earth.
To call
To dance
To come and go
To rise
To work
To be nourished
Winged flight… of life
The Still Small Voice 