Breaking news has come to light
Bright star shining in the night
Bringing words of great import
… As foretold in prior report
Delivered by angelic messengers this day
Telling shepherds where this King child lay
Scholars take notice, a trip to prepare
Come all you seekers to welcome him there
Join him in the manger stall
This Christ child come, for us all
Breaking news! Listen and be glad!
Love so vast through a little lad
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Softly falls the drifting snow
Harmonic music lifts and inspires
Quiet presence in time of need
A sleeping child held gently close
Softly touches the cooling breeze
A warming blanket snuggled close
Comforting touch conveying compassion
Misty rain’s light kiss in early morn
Softly comes the light tread of feet
Loving gaze to empathize
Wafting aroma of a simmering meal
Whispered words in hushed voice
Trusting animal’s light kiss
Golden glow of rising sun
Twinkling stars ‘midst clear dark night
Softly embraces our God’s mighty arms
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken
Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?
Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain
God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare
Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13
Lightly breaths the freshening air
Softly lifting sweeping strands of hair
Lightly speaks a sleepy songbird
As morning rays spread glowing fingers
Gentle rabbit ever slowly and lightly hops
Upon bedewed blades sparkling in sun’s touch
Sighing and yawning world slowly awakes
Stepping lightly and looking upon day’s dawn
Lightly now we gaze upon earth’s glory
Pausing amid our to-and-fro and breathing deeply
Treasured moments to renew and strengthen
Welcome gift of peace from our Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown
Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place
Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace
God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace
To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat
Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin
Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head
Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light
Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Eyes to see
Yonder stars shining
Even when clouds gather
So, turning my head to heavens above
Every day, now fill me
Yes, with lifted arms to God
Each brings a promise of hope
Sing, sweet Light, and fill our souls
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Portents of things to come
Stormy sky and pouring rain
Fair weather cotton balls
Gray blanket for a drizzly day
Look about and heed
What do we form for all to see
Sailing high above in swift retreat
Or gusting words to rush about
What times for lifting energizing
Beauty flashing midst struggles deep
Washing sometimes roaring
In our own smallness soaring
Do we speak of fairer days
Quietly linger softly calming
Breath in deeply sweet aroma
Welcome refreshment steady supply
Flying floating freely
Sunlight glinting over all
Rest ‘neath such as welcome
With One much greater above all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
When up and about
Mind’s on things old and new
What you like. What you need.
Seems you have much to do.
As a bee searching, gathering
Zipping here and there
Returning with what’s needed
Bringing home to share
Some with satisfaction
Others pondering with concern
As day’s time progresses
It’s for home we yearn
Coming in to draw a breath
Coming in to find some rest
Thankful prayers for a place
… As a bird to its welcome nest
Something about that moment
When we finally enter in
Come and find a welcome
No matter where we’ve been
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 