Christmas Poetry: Recent Episodes
Sandra G Williams
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
Who is the child in the manger that many celebrate on December 25th each year. Isaiah chapter 53 prophesied the following about the child in the manger; the Messiah:
There will be nothing spectacular about Him that will cause men to desire to follow Him.
He will be despised and rejected by mankind.
He will be viewed by men as weak and vulnerable and many will hide themselves from Him
because they will see Him as insignificant and cursed.
Though He will carry the afflictions (pain and illnesses) of all mankind, men will view Him as one
being punished by God for some evil He did.
He will receive an unjust trial and be treated harshly.
The sin of all men will attack Him and He will be wounded because of man's rebellious deeds,
He will be crushed because of mankind's sin, and by His stripes many will be healed.
Though He will commit no violent deeds nor speak deceitfully, He will be treated like the worst of criminals.
He will accomplish God's purpose wrapped in the swaddling garment of persecution, suffering, and the shameful death on the cross; but, the sins of many will be acquitted through the suffering He endured.
In John chapter 1, it says that although Jesus (God's Word) created the world, the world did not recognize Him.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message about the cross [a message of victory through persecution, suffering, death] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will thwart the cleverness of the intelligent [educated]."
1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law [seminary graduate]? Where is the debater [talk show host] of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish?
1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching.
1 Corinthians 1:22 For Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks [everyone else who is not Jewish] ask for wisdom,
1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach about a crucified [suffering, persecuted] Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 1:24 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:26 Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something,
1 Corinthians 1:29-30 so that no one can boast in his presence. [Through suffering and persecution, the child in the manger] became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
Instrumental Music: What Child Is This? by Terri Geisel
WHO AM I TO YOU?
In the book of Mark, Jesus asked His disciples:
"Who do men say I am?" After hearing their
various responses, He then asked them
"Who do you say I Am?" (Mark 8:27-29)
You're the Son of God; You're Christ the King.
You're the One who gave me a new song to sing.
You're the Lion of Judah; You're the sacrificial Lamb.
You're the one and the only Great I Am!
You're Jehovah Yahweh; the God of salvation.
You righteously rule over kingdoms and nations.
You're Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals.
You're my Redeemer and by Your blood I'm sealed!
You're my heart's desire; my Purifier.
You're my Resting Place; the All-Consuming Fire!
You're the Compassionate, All-Knowing Great Physician;
You're the Commander-in-Chief of the Great Commission!
You're the Lover of my soul; You're my Strong Tower.
You're the Breath of Life; You're the God of Power!
You're the Word of God; You're the only True Light.
You're the God who opens eyes and give the blind sight!
You're the God who causes the deaf to hear.
You're the God who is faithful year after year.
You're the God who causes the lame to walk.
You're the God who causes the dumb to talk.
You're the God who resurrects dead situations!
You're my Teacher, my Shield; Ruler of All Creation.
You're my Shepherd; You're the One I adore.
My lips shall praise you now and forevermore!
You're my Comforter; You're the God of Love!
You're Emmanuel; You were sent from above.
You're the Righteous Judge; You're the Lord of Hosts.
You're my Wisdom and Hope; You sent the Holy Ghost!
Your name is Jesus; the name above all names!
Yesterday, today, and forever You're the same;
You're Holy, faithful, loving, kind,
Merciful, long-suffering and You're always on time!
You're the Anointed One; You're the Beginning and the End.
You're the Balm of Gilead and my very best friend!
His servant,
Sandra G Williams
Instrumental Karaoke: Mary Did You Know by Fruition Music Inc.
THE EXCHANGE
I was naked and poor with no destiny;
Why are You Lord so mindful of me?
You saw me struggling in my own blood;
You flooded my life with Your awesome love!
I gave You my hunger and You gave me bread.
You raised me up from the spiritually dead.
I gave You my despair and You gave me peace.
You caused my emotional storms to cease.
You washed away my sin; You anointed me with oil.
You restored the years that the enemy had spoiled.
In You I rest from every earthly toil!
You swept away the ashes of my erratic life;
The ashes of bitterness, confusion, strife!
I gave You my darkness and You gave me light.
I gave You my blindness and You gave me sight.
My wounded soul Your love has healed.
I joyfully submit to do Your will!
I gave You my broken heart and dreams.
You crowned me with love and called me Your queen!
As I stand in the presence of You, my King;
My heart can only leap, rejoice, and sing.
I love You Lord more than anything!
I praise You Lord for who You are;
I worship You, Bright and Morning Star!
Your words of life are so precious and sweet.
Oh how I love just to sit at Your feet!
There's no one or nothing that compares to You;
No one can do the things that You do.
I gave You my soul, betrayed and bound;
A faithful friend in You is what I found.
I gave You my battles; You gave me victory.
I gave You my chains; You gave me liberty
I gave You my end of the road situation.
You gave me an open door through salvation.
Thank-you Jesus!
His servant,
Sandra G. Williams
Performance Music: "Little Drummer Boy" by Prosound Karaoke Band
THE INN OR THE STABLE
Busy streets, busy malls-
Christmas trees standing tall.
As we buy our many Christmas things,
what gift shall we give the King of kings?
Is He truly Lord of all creation,
Or just a Christmas decoration?
What does the Lord expect from us?
This God in whom we say we trust.
Though He owns the sea, sky, and land-
His desire is for the heart of man.
On the hearts of many He finds:
"Not now God - I don't have time.
"No room in the inn" is what many say.
"Go to the barn - there's plenty of hay.
I'll give you my heart, but not today;
Leave me alone, I'm trying to play."
To and fro, God searches the earth.
He stands at the door ready to birth;
Ready to birth His peace and joy
upon men, women, girls, and boys.
Be prepared; your time will come.
God sends His Son to everyone.
His Spirit desires to dwell - to rest
in hearts that give God their best.
God sets before us a magnificent table-
Yet, we expect Him to live in dirty stables.
Unwilling to make room for the King,
Many place Him behind people and things.
Is God really number one with you?
Is He Lord of all you say and do?
Does your life bring glory to His name?
Do you hide Him because of fear and shame?
It's time to bring God out of the stable
and place Him at the head of your table.
His rightful place in the lives of men
is in the front - not at the end.
As you buy your many Christmas things,
what gift will you give the King of kings?
His handmaiden,
Sandra G. Williams
Soundtrack: Coventry Carol by Karaoke Klassics