December 14, 2024

“As…So” for Christmas

As a star lead the way… so God leads us still

As a donkey faithfully carried the load… so God takes our own burdens

As the stable was a welcome shelter… so we are thankful for our homes

As angels rejoiced and delivered good news… so we share that good news with others

As shepherds cared for their flock… so God cares for his children

As the baby was dependent on others… so humankind needs God

As the mother loved the child… so God loves us

As wise men brought gifts… so God sent his own son as a gift to all

As Christmas trees remind us of life and joy… so be filled

As wreaths speak of unity and eternity… so share goodwill and compassion

As candles light the way… so Christ lights our hearts and way

As bells celebrate Christ’s birth… so celebrate new beginnings

As carols tell the wondrous story… so may our hearts be filled with wonder and hope

As Christmastide leads us to Jesus… so may our lives follow Him

– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 7, 2024

Bells Ringing

Bells ringing, bells ringing
Joyful voice of celebration

Christmastide leads to the Christ child
One born in a manger to shine for all

Hear the bells this hopeful season
Join your voice in thankful praise

Far from earthly power or fame
True wealth comes from love’s compassion

Heed you now the bright bells sounding
Hearts drawn to star’s wondrous path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 1, 2024

Ruby Wise

Shining bright
Love deep and strong
Life o’erflowing
With passion and courage
Reflection of most noble character
Wisdom more precious
… Incomparable worth
Beacon to all

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

November 24, 2024

Late Autumn Day

Season’s leaves now brown and blown
Insects retreating from wind’s cold embrace

Autumn stretches, reaches into nooks
Touching questing noses wishing warmer place

Plip-plop, plip-plop of sky-chilled raindrops
Encourage hurried walks and blow upon uncovered face

Sun shines bravely, a reminder of summer growth
Gardens’ offering now gathered, leaves and yard tended

Rest, rest and breath in deeply
A pause as the year is soon to be ended

Contemplation upon this year’s past
Looking forward, awaiting… Time briefly suspended.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 17, 2024

Satisfaction

Finally finished it!
It’s been so nice getting together.
That was a really good book.
Ahh, I was so thirsty!
You did a great job with that.

Don’t thoughts like these make you smile?! … Whether it’s busy care with family or finishing something for work, that feeling of completion and accomplishment brings great satisfaction. A full stomach after a meal or a cool drink of water when thirsty satisfies the needs of our body, as well, and may sometimes be taken for granted.

The book of Psalms offers a lot of praises and thanks to God. This one reminds me of the celebration of Thanksgiving here.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9

It made me think of satisfying different kinds of thirst and hunger… like thirst for knowledge or more faith and hunger for friendship, peace, or rest. It’s a daily giving and receiving, fulfillment through God’s provision and presence.

Paul put this well in his letter to the Philippians:

And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

As you go through each day, may you bask in God’s great love. May you be filled and satisfied. May it be all and more than enough, as we rest in Him.

And in this satisfaction we rest
Hope and life through each day is best
Through God’s Spirit sent from above
Grant laughter and be filled to live and love

Charlotte-Anne Allen