the history of the world, the very future of life
changed in that moment, when their faith prevailed
when they were comforted, when they agreed
their lives forever altered when
the angels whispered in their dreams
a savior given life, given parents
the prophesy fulfilled
from the stump
will come God.
the peaceable kingdom will come.
December 6, 2008
Isaiah 11:1-9
Matthew 1:18-24 (Joseph)
Luke 1:26-38 (Mary)
Saturday, December 06, 2008
By Angels Manifested
In dreams, by angels manifested
the fulfillment of prophesies of old
the line bringing forth, the savior of the world
a blessing in faith made real, given life
the faith of the couple, each taking risk,
believing, living in trust
bringing Christ to the world
through the words of the angels
whispered in their dreams
December 6, 2008
Isaiah 11:1-9
Matthew 1:18-24 (Joseph)
Luke 1:26-38 (Mary)
the fulfillment of prophesies of old
the line bringing forth, the savior of the world
a blessing in faith made real, given life
the faith of the couple, each taking risk,
believing, living in trust
bringing Christ to the world
through the words of the angels
whispered in their dreams
December 6, 2008
Isaiah 11:1-9
Matthew 1:18-24 (Joseph)
Luke 1:26-38 (Mary)
Mary and Joseph's Journey
Mary and Joseph’s journey,
so much more, much more
than traveling from Nazareth
to Bethlehem, the Temple
the holy city of David; Jesse’s shoot,
the root of Jesse, long buried
So much more, the distance
their journey, each one,
heavenly blessed, touched by angels
by the voice of angels blessed
called to be the agents, the servants
the means by the savior, coming to save
into the world, human, incarnate
living God, the babe she carried,
his first son, so far their journeys
together they traveled to
David’s city, the fulfillment to come
their journey, holy and right
leading us, in the Advent-tide
all of us pilgrims now with them
journeying to that stable, that manger bed
so much more, much more
than traveling from Nazareth
to Bethlehem, the Temple
the holy city of David; Jesse’s shoot,
the root of Jesse, long buried
So much more, the distance
their journey, each one,
heavenly blessed, touched by angels
by the voice of angels blessed
called to be the agents, the servants
the means by the savior, coming to save
into the world, human, incarnate
living God, the babe she carried,
his first son, so far their journeys
together they traveled to
David’s city, the fulfillment to come
their journey, holy and right
leading us, in the Advent-tide
all of us pilgrims now with them
journeying to that stable, that manger bed
edited
December 9, 2014
Mary
and Joseph’s Journey – v2
December
6, 2008
Mary
and Joseph’s Journey
Isaiah
11:1-9
Matthew
1:18-24 (Joseph)
Luke
1:26-38 (Mary)
&
Matthew
1:18-25
3rd
Sunday of Advent
Advent
Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke
1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices
of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas
by Ross Olson
sermon/message
– “Joseph”
(as
performed by Raymond A. Foss who, like Joseph,
is
an step-father and adoptive father)
children’s
message
–
mystery box –
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
Advent
wreath lighting
Prayer
of Thanksgiving –
by Raymond A. Foss
communion
worship
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd
Sunday of Advent
December
14, 2014
&
2nd
Sunday of Advent
Advent
Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke
1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices
of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas
by Ross Olson
sermon/message
– “Mary”
(as
performed by Shyanne Foss,
who,
like Mary, is 14 years old)
children’s
message
–
mystery box – spool of thread and cloth
and needles
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
Advent
wreath lighting
Prayer
of Thanksgiving –
we
thank you Lord – v2
by Raymond A. Foss
communion
worship
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd
Sunday of Advent
December
7, 2014
&
1st
Sunday of Advent
Advent
Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Sacred
Dance Introit
Michael
W. Smith’s
“Intro
and Prepare Ye the Way”
from
his New Hallelujah album
Advent
wreath lighting
Prayer
of Thanksgiving –
by
Jeanie Goode
Luke
1:19-20a
children’s
message
–
mystery box –
envelope
with note
Voices
of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas
by Ross Olson
sermon/message
– “Angel Gabriel”
(as
performed by Terry Pettengill)
worship
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
1st
Sunday of Advent
November
30, 2014
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 40,380+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Oak, Pine, and Grasses
Shades of browns, driving by
mile on mile, below the greens of the pines
oak, pine, and grasses,
leaves, needles, blades
all creating a single color,
brown below the green
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , NH
mile on mile, below the greens of the pines
oak, pine, and grasses,
leaves, needles, blades
all creating a single color,
brown below the green
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , NH
Granite Hay Bales
The field, positioned, placed
granite hay bales, as if harvested
grown from the soil, the crop of the farmer
bundled and situated
waiting to be hauled and stored
in the barn, for winter feed
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
granite hay bales, as if harvested
grown from the soil, the crop of the farmer
bundled and situated
waiting to be hauled and stored
in the barn, for winter feed
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
Blank Space
Blank space, stripped
up to about my shoulder
all bare, up to where they can reach
once the winter snow falls
blank below, brown
green above
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
the line where deer reach
up to about my shoulder
all bare, up to where they can reach
once the winter snow falls
blank below, brown
green above
December 5, 2008
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
the line where deer reach
Reaching Out
A birch, fallen, extending
reaching out, over the still-running water
the bank starting to freeze, the water moving
down below the highway
bright white, yearning
reaching out over the water
catching the cooling light
December sun,
before wintertime
December 5, 2008
Contoocook River
near Hatfield Road,
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
reaching out, over the still-running water
the bank starting to freeze, the water moving
down below the highway
bright white, yearning
reaching out over the water
catching the cooling light
December sun,
before wintertime
December 5, 2008
Contoocook River
near Hatfield Road,
Rte 202 , Contoocook, NH
Tails
a small patch, a cluster
cattails in the median
glowing, glistening
December sun, midday
Ready to burst open
like milkweed pods
to spread the seeds
to the four winds
December 5, 2008
Rte 89, Hopkinton, NH
cattails in the median
glowing, glistening
December sun, midday
Ready to burst open
like milkweed pods
to spread the seeds
to the four winds
December 5, 2008
Rte 89, Hopkinton, NH
Footprints in the Snow
The wind, waves, in the frozen surface
dark and light, sculptured, textured
like footprints in the snow
a herd of steps, of feet
An ocean of footfalls, a stampede
wave on wave, across
the new-frozen surface
of the still lake below
December 5, 2008
Rte 89, Concord, NH
dark and light, sculptured, textured
like footprints in the snow
a herd of steps, of feet
An ocean of footfalls, a stampede
wave on wave, across
the new-frozen surface
of the still lake below
December 5, 2008
Rte 89, Concord, NH
Snow between the rows
Snow, a melting dusting
layered, in the December sun
mud, ruts, the stubble
snow between the rows, the stalks
the dirt changing, darkening
becoming wet, mud
straw stalks, cut by the reaping
long grey, gone to market
snow, for the moment frozen
between the fallow rows
December 5, 2008
corn field, Clinton Street,
Rte 13, Concord, NH
layered, in the December sun
mud, ruts, the stubble
snow between the rows, the stalks
the dirt changing, darkening
becoming wet, mud
straw stalks, cut by the reaping
long grey, gone to market
snow, for the moment frozen
between the fallow rows
December 5, 2008
corn field, Clinton Street,
Rte 13, Concord, NH
The Purr of a Cat
Sitting there, the office
petting, stroking his orange fur
she spoke of a longing, a desire
the purr of a cat, remembering
wishing for its return
that memory, that quality
comfort at home, of belonging
speaking lovingly to her
through, in, by
the purr of a cat
December 5, 2008
Moe
petting, stroking his orange fur
she spoke of a longing, a desire
the purr of a cat, remembering
wishing for its return
that memory, that quality
comfort at home, of belonging
speaking lovingly to her
through, in, by
the purr of a cat
December 5, 2008
Moe
Thursday, December 04, 2008
A Seam in the Sky
Looking upward, memories
looking down, below my feet
outward, beyond my vision
a seam in the cold December sky
cut, white, ivory, in the darkening clouds
an echo, a memory
fissured cracks in a Minnesota lake
thirty-seven years ago
Tendrils to the seam, like fingers of frost
feathering the edges, the light seeping
coming through the moving line
reaching beyond my vision
driving north under glowering skies
December 4, 2008
looking down, below my feet
outward, beyond my vision
a seam in the cold December sky
cut, white, ivory, in the darkening clouds
an echo, a memory
fissured cracks in a Minnesota lake
thirty-seven years ago
Tendrils to the seam, like fingers of frost
feathering the edges, the light seeping
coming through the moving line
reaching beyond my vision
driving north under glowering skies
December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Mary’s Face in the Dark
Her face, the virgin Mary
glowing in the night,
shining in the kitchen window
illuminating the room,
after midnight
The artistry of the painter
captured in the palette,
the simple figure
in the darkened night
Her faith shining
December 2, 2008
parsonage, Mary and Joseph in the window,
above the breezeway
Suncook United Methodist Church
Pembroke, NH
glowing in the night,
shining in the kitchen window
illuminating the room,
after midnight
The artistry of the painter
captured in the palette,
the simple figure
in the darkened night
Her faith shining
December 2, 2008
parsonage, Mary and Joseph in the window,
above the breezeway
Suncook United Methodist Church
Pembroke, NH
The Cold
I feel the cold
closing in, seeping, oozing
slowly coming in
through the walls, the floor,
the panes of tempered glass
the cold, the damp, the tongues of winter
relentlessly striving, seeking
coming into the house
through the open doorways,
the seams, the cracks, the thin edges,
through the metal, the wood, the glass
seeking to come in,
where it is warm
December 2, 2008
closing in, seeping, oozing
slowly coming in
through the walls, the floor,
the panes of tempered glass
the cold, the damp, the tongues of winter
relentlessly striving, seeking
coming into the house
through the open doorways,
the seams, the cracks, the thin edges,
through the metal, the wood, the glass
seeking to come in,
where it is warm
December 2, 2008
In Nature
in the touch of my daughters’ fingers
in the brush of our cats’ fur
in the swirl of leaves falling to the ground
the dance of snowflakes, driven by a hidden hand
in the flickering stars in the night sky
the fading warmth of the sun at twilight
in nature, in memory, in the senses
I feel the closeness, the direction, the precision
of the creator, the master, the potter,
shaping, conjuring, bringing into being
out of nothingness a world, a universe
order out of chaos, harmonious
in nature revealed, the grace of God
December 2, 2008
in the brush of our cats’ fur
in the swirl of leaves falling to the ground
the dance of snowflakes, driven by a hidden hand
in the flickering stars in the night sky
the fading warmth of the sun at twilight
in nature, in memory, in the senses
I feel the closeness, the direction, the precision
of the creator, the master, the potter,
shaping, conjuring, bringing into being
out of nothingness a world, a universe
order out of chaos, harmonious
in nature revealed, the grace of God
December 2, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Happiness Inside
Happiness grows within us
a sense of being, of sharing, of true blessing,
no matter our circumstances
Happiness dies within us
when we linger, ponder, on injustices, slights,
on the problems of life
Happiness soars within us
when we look to the positive
when we center on Christ
when we remember
Happiness is a choice
November 30, 2008
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the Sermon on the Mount
a sense of being, of sharing, of true blessing,
no matter our circumstances
Happiness dies within us
when we linger, ponder, on injustices, slights,
on the problems of life
Happiness soars within us
when we look to the positive
when we center on Christ
when we remember
Happiness is a choice
November 30, 2008
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the Sermon on the Mount
She Cannot Make You Mad
Wisdom in the scripture, of the nature of blessing
an internal feeling, something within
not something we have done to us
yes we are blessed, the past tense of the word to bless
but we are blessed, a state of being blessed,
by the workings of our hearts
And, just as is true of happiness, the same is true
of anger, of being mad.
“She cannot make you mad;
it is your choice to be mad.”
So is one of the conversations in our house
If only the wisdom of the scriptures
could be bottled. Far harder to read,
and to internalize its truths.
For me too.
November 30, 2008
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the Sermon on the Mount
an internal feeling, something within
not something we have done to us
yes we are blessed, the past tense of the word to bless
but we are blessed, a state of being blessed,
by the workings of our hearts
And, just as is true of happiness, the same is true
of anger, of being mad.
“She cannot make you mad;
it is your choice to be mad.”
So is one of the conversations in our house
If only the wisdom of the scriptures
could be bottled. Far harder to read,
and to internalize its truths.
For me too.
November 30, 2008
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the Sermon on the Mount
Happiness Within
Happiness, not something external
a state of being, deep within, within ourselves
living with us, walking with us, our hearts
blessed are the… ones who can accept blessing
who can find happiness within
a state of being, deep within, within ourselves
living with us, walking with us, our hearts
blessed are the… ones who can accept blessing
who can find happiness within
November 30, 2008
Happiness Within
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the
Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the
Sermon on the Mount
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 40,290+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Blessed Within
We are blessed, no so much from the external signs
blessed within, within our hearts, our spirits
the gifts manifested, visible, when we are aware, conscious
feel blessed within. Blessed are the present, the awake,
those able to see the blessings heaped, given
joyful in their moment, in their present
enjoying the presence of God
walking with them through life
blessed within, within our hearts, our spirits
the gifts manifested, visible, when we are aware, conscious
feel blessed within. Blessed are the present, the awake,
those able to see the blessings heaped, given
joyful in their moment, in their present
enjoying the presence of God
walking with them through life
edited December 4, 2015
Blessed Within – v2
November 30, 2008
Blessed Within
edited December 4, 2015
Happiness Within – v2
November 30, 2008
Happiness Within
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:1-12, the
Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-7:27, the
Sermon on the Mount
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 40,290+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Waiting Season
The season of Advent
the waiting season, out in the winter cold
spending time in community, in fellowship
in your adorned sanctuary, remembering
the star, the couple, called by the angels,
the stable, the manger, his lowly bed,
shepherds in the pasture, wise men studying the stars
all parts of the story, the beginning
the word become flesh
But the story of waiting is for another day
another moment yet to come
when the skies will darken and thunder roars
when the trumpets will sound heralding
the return of the king
to judge and to bring into the garner
the faithful, those on watch, those awake
prepared in this waiting season
for the reaping time
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
the waiting season, out in the winter cold
spending time in community, in fellowship
in your adorned sanctuary, remembering
the star, the couple, called by the angels,
the stable, the manger, his lowly bed,
shepherds in the pasture, wise men studying the stars
all parts of the story, the beginning
the word become flesh
But the story of waiting is for another day
another moment yet to come
when the skies will darken and thunder roars
when the trumpets will sound heralding
the return of the king
to judge and to bring into the garner
the faithful, those on watch, those awake
prepared in this waiting season
for the reaping time
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Waiting - 2
Waiting, in our hearts, for our king
born in the manger, living in heaven
at the right hand of God
Waiting, in our lives, for our brother
the servant, the sacrifice
dying on the cross, rising to glory
Waiting, in our faith, for our savior
to return in triumph, at the trumpet’s call
to be ready, awake, on watch,
being Christ to the world
in the waiting, doing his work
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
born in the manger, living in heaven
at the right hand of God
Waiting, in our lives, for our brother
the servant, the sacrifice
dying on the cross, rising to glory
Waiting, in our faith, for our savior
to return in triumph, at the trumpet’s call
to be ready, awake, on watch,
being Christ to the world
in the waiting, doing his work
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Anticipation
Anticipation, this Advent season
waiting, wondering, when will that time come
watching the calendar, for the coming of the babe
the gift of Christ’s birth, relived each year
waiting wonder, when will that time come
watching the signs, the changing of the days,
the coming of the King, in victory
at that time unknown, known only to God
waiting, expectantly, urgent, awake, doing his work,
on guard for that coming day, anticipation for the hour
when Christ comes in glory, to bring his people home
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
waiting, wondering, when will that time come
watching the calendar, for the coming of the babe
the gift of Christ’s birth, relived each year
waiting wonder, when will that time come
watching the signs, the changing of the days,
the coming of the King, in victory
at that time unknown, known only to God
waiting, expectantly, urgent, awake, doing his work,
on guard for that coming day, anticipation for the hour
when Christ comes in glory, to bring his people home
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Waiting Expectantly
Waiting expectantly, for the Christ child
the babe of Bethlehem, grown and risen
his first life on earth complete
Risen and living at the right hand
with the father in heaven
Waiting expectantly for this coming
not knowing the time of his return
Waiting, awake, watching for the signs
that which has been foretold
just as we watch for the signs in nature
so must we be mindful, watching
waiting expectantly for the king to come
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
the babe of Bethlehem, grown and risen
his first life on earth complete
Risen and living at the right hand
with the father in heaven
Waiting expectantly for this coming
not knowing the time of his return
Waiting, awake, watching for the signs
that which has been foretold
just as we watch for the signs in nature
so must we be mindful, watching
waiting expectantly for the king to come
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Expectantly Waiting
Expectantly waiting, for Christmas
for the Christ child, the songs, the hymns,
the pageant, the story, shepherds, angels,
wise men three, joining, coming together
around the lowly manger bed
Sharing these moments in family, in community
expectantly waiting in advent
remembering the story of our king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
for the Christ child, the songs, the hymns,
the pageant, the story, shepherds, angels,
wise men three, joining, coming together
around the lowly manger bed
Sharing these moments in family, in community
expectantly waiting in advent
remembering the story of our king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Anticipation – acrostic
Angels sang of your coming
None can stand before you my king
Teach me to wait expectantly for your second coming
Immanuel, God with us, resting in a manger
Come let us behold him, Christ the King
I fall to my knees, preparing, watching, awake to the appointed hour
Prophets foretold of your holy birth
All of creation will sing praises to the king
Trumpets and thunder will herald your coming on the clouds
I Am returning to claim his children
Outer darkness for those who deny his majesty
Now is the time to prepare, to be ready for our God
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
None can stand before you my king
Teach me to wait expectantly for your second coming
Immanuel, God with us, resting in a manger
Come let us behold him, Christ the King
I fall to my knees, preparing, watching, awake to the appointed hour
Prophets foretold of your holy birth
All of creation will sing praises to the king
Trumpets and thunder will herald your coming on the clouds
I Am returning to claim his children
Outer darkness for those who deny his majesty
Now is the time to prepare, to be ready for our God
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Journey of Waiting
Walking, reading, pondering, waiting
a journey of waiting, expectant, hopeful
of his miraculous birth, the story of his life
for his coming, to rescue the faithful
to bring us to our heavenly home
expectantly waiting for Christmas
waiting expectantly for his second coming
so is the journey of waiting
this advent and all year long
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
a journey of waiting, expectant, hopeful
of his miraculous birth, the story of his life
for his coming, to rescue the faithful
to bring us to our heavenly home
expectantly waiting for Christmas
waiting expectantly for his second coming
so is the journey of waiting
this advent and all year long
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
The Nativity Evolving
Over the days, the journey of Advent
the nativity evolving,
the scene coming into focus
beginning with the couple, expectant
alone, in the rented stable
away from family, from home
waiting, under his star, for a son,
foretold by angels, by prophets
Shepherds watching their sheep, expectant
on guard for predators, for robbers
awake for trouble, called by herald angels
to the babe newborn in the manger
Wise men, long before his birthing,
following a star, in the west,
leading them and their gifts
to his lowly bed
All of us, through the ages
drawn to the bed of the newborn king
our savior come into the world
to set us free
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
the nativity evolving,
the scene coming into focus
beginning with the couple, expectant
alone, in the rented stable
away from family, from home
waiting, under his star, for a son,
foretold by angels, by prophets
Shepherds watching their sheep, expectant
on guard for predators, for robbers
awake for trouble, called by herald angels
to the babe newborn in the manger
Wise men, long before his birthing,
following a star, in the west,
leading them and their gifts
to his lowly bed
All of us, through the ages
drawn to the bed of the newborn king
our savior come into the world
to set us free
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Crispness
A crispness to the air, the sky
the sounds of leaves underfoot
of the wheels running on the pavement
the snap of the flag by the bank
the feel of the air in my lungs
the smell of a wood fire
warming a house nearby
a day before the first snow,
a crispness to the world
November 30, 2008
the sounds of leaves underfoot
of the wheels running on the pavement
the snap of the flag by the bank
the feel of the air in my lungs
the smell of a wood fire
warming a house nearby
a day before the first snow,
a crispness to the world
November 30, 2008
The Advent Journey
Following the star,
we all, like them, following the star
the light, the Word
coming into the world
living with us, to be among us
a journey of waiting, with wonder
experiencing anew
that which they beheld
the star of his rising,
his bright birth star
Bringing that light
into the sanctuary, into our hearts
preparing ourselves, awake, on watch
for the babe in the manger
the king on the clouds
that is our Advent journey
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
we all, like them, following the star
the light, the Word
coming into the world
living with us, to be among us
a journey of waiting, with wonder
experiencing anew
that which they beheld
the star of his rising,
his bright birth star
Bringing that light
into the sanctuary, into our hearts
preparing ourselves, awake, on watch
for the babe in the manger
the king on the clouds
that is our Advent journey
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Mary and Joseph
The chosen pair, to be the parents
alone, in his ancestral home
journeying to Bethlehem
coming to this place, to the manger bed
the stable, all that was available
alone in that place, man and woman
Waiting, as we wait, them for his birth
we for his return, waiting expectantly
for the unknown future, prophesized
but as yet unknown, mysterious,
by faith alone prepared
on watch, awake, on guard
for the coming of the king
his parents, his disciples
all the people of the earth
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
alone, in his ancestral home
journeying to Bethlehem
coming to this place, to the manger bed
the stable, all that was available
alone in that place, man and woman
Waiting, as we wait, them for his birth
we for his return, waiting expectantly
for the unknown future, prophesized
but as yet unknown, mysterious,
by faith alone prepared
on watch, awake, on guard
for the coming of the king
his parents, his disciples
all the people of the earth
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Be Strong in the Lord
Be Strong in the Lord
so said the church’s sign
by the roadside, many weeks gone by
What did the drivers think
as they raced by, busy in their lives
Did they think about the scripture
the admonition, the urging
to be resolute, not in ourselves;
not self-made men, women
Be strong in the Lord alone
for he is worthy of our praise
November 30, 2008
Ephesians 6:10
Hillside Baptist Church sign
Pembroke, NH
so said the church’s sign
by the roadside, many weeks gone by
What did the drivers think
as they raced by, busy in their lives
Did they think about the scripture
the admonition, the urging
to be resolute, not in ourselves;
not self-made men, women
Be strong in the Lord alone
for he is worthy of our praise
November 30, 2008
Ephesians 6:10
Hillside Baptist Church sign
Pembroke, NH
A Light Burning in the Window
Shining down on them
expectantly waiting, the coming
the birth of their child,
a son foretold,
by prophets, by angels
A light burning in the window
falling on the expectant couple
the father, the mother
those called by the angels
Appointed by God
to birth our Savior
reminding us all
of his birth star
November 30, 2008
parsonage, Mary and Joseph in the window,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Pembroke, NH
expectantly waiting, the coming
the birth of their child,
a son foretold,
by prophets, by angels
A light burning in the window
falling on the expectant couple
the father, the mother
those called by the angels
Appointed by God
to birth our Savior
reminding us all
of his birth star
November 30, 2008
parsonage, Mary and Joseph in the window,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Pembroke, NH
Coming to this place
Coming to this place
to the sanctuary, the manger bed
a journey of Mary, of Joseph,
of the shepherds, the Magi,
of you, of me, all coming to this place
to see the king in the manger bed
written on November 30, 2008
on the November 29, 2008 Greening of the Church service,
on the November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
to the sanctuary, the manger bed
a journey of Mary, of Joseph,
of the shepherds, the Magi,
of you, of me, all coming to this place
to see the king in the manger bed
written on November 30, 2008
on the November 29, 2008 Greening of the Church service,
on the November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
The Advent Wreath
A circle of wire, of wood, of metal
garland of ivy, of fir, of holly, of poinsettias
unending love, stages of our journey
leading to the Christ child
the center, the hub, the circle
around which our journey revolves
leading us to the center,
to his bright holy light
his candle to share
the light with the world
written November 30, 2008
November 29 Greening the Church service
November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
garland of ivy, of fir, of holly, of poinsettias
unending love, stages of our journey
leading to the Christ child
the center, the hub, the circle
around which our journey revolves
leading us to the center,
to his bright holy light
his candle to share
the light with the world
written November 30, 2008
November 29 Greening the Church service
November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Advent Season
The season, Advent season
the season of waiting, of hope,
expectancy, longing, remembering
the babe in the manger,
the King, riding on the clouds
The song of angels, the bleat of the lamb
the feet of the Magi, journeying there
The sound of trumpets blast, cymbals and thunder
all a part of the season, Advent season
preparing, expectant, waiting, longing
both the babe and the King
our savior, our brother, our Lord
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
the season of waiting, of hope,
expectancy, longing, remembering
the babe in the manger,
the King, riding on the clouds
The song of angels, the bleat of the lamb
the feet of the Magi, journeying there
The sound of trumpets blast, cymbals and thunder
all a part of the season, Advent season
preparing, expectant, waiting, longing
both the babe and the King
our savior, our brother, our Lord
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Keep Awake
Keep awake, your oil ready
watch, for the coming of the Lord
for we know not the time or place
when he will return, to judge, to save
anticipation, expectant, watching, waiting
for that wondrous day, in glory, in praise
with the sounds of thunder, of trumpets
Shouting across the sky
Keep awake, active, working, serving
ready for the coming of that day
the return of the king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
Mark 13:32-37
and Disciplines for November 30, 2008
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
watch, for the coming of the Lord
for we know not the time or place
when he will return, to judge, to save
anticipation, expectant, watching, waiting
for that wondrous day, in glory, in praise
with the sounds of thunder, of trumpets
Shouting across the sky
Keep awake, active, working, serving
ready for the coming of that day
the return of the king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
Mark 13:32-37
and Disciplines for November 30, 2008
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A City Prepared
A city prepared, a foreign land
made ready for us
unseen by the saints
waiting, prepared for them
the reward of faith
that which is hoped for
that which is unseen
made ready and waiting
for you and for me
if we are ready at His coming
humble and true
November 30, 2008
Hebrews 11:1-16
Upper Room devotional November 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=11&day=30&year=2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
made ready for us
unseen by the saints
waiting, prepared for them
the reward of faith
that which is hoped for
that which is unseen
made ready and waiting
for you and for me
if we are ready at His coming
humble and true
November 30, 2008
Hebrews 11:1-16
Upper Room devotional November 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=11&day=30&year=2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Passing His Cup
Each time, each of us,
passing His cup, drinking
from that one cup, His offering
His singular sacrifice
shedding His blood, giving His body
We share His cup
Passed down from apostle to disciple
from sinner to sinner
down through the ages, the generations
passing His cup of salvation
that all may drink, to all,
to the ends of the earth
November 30, 2008
Communion, first Sunday of Advent
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
passing His cup, drinking
from that one cup, His offering
His singular sacrifice
shedding His blood, giving His body
We share His cup
Passed down from apostle to disciple
from sinner to sinner
down through the ages, the generations
passing His cup of salvation
that all may drink, to all,
to the ends of the earth
November 30, 2008
Communion, first Sunday of Advent
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Red and Green
The red of His blood, the green of hope, for us
of the promise of the sheltered valley
our future foretold
by the prophets of old
Red and green coloring your church
the sanctuary alive
ready for your birth
the coming of our King.
written November 30, 2008
November 29, 2008
Greening of the Church service
and November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
of the promise of the sheltered valley
our future foretold
by the prophets of old
Red and green coloring your church
the sanctuary alive
ready for your birth
the coming of our King.
written November 30, 2008
November 29, 2008
Greening of the Church service
and November 30, 2008 service
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Candle of Peace
A first candle lit,
a candle of peace
beginning our journey
a light burning in that circle
never ending, glowing
committing ourselves
to be a light, that light
in this world,
not just this sanctuary,
this community, anticipating too
remembering his life, his promise
of eternal peace
November 30, 2008
Lighting of the first Advent candle,
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
a candle of peace
beginning our journey
a light burning in that circle
never ending, glowing
committing ourselves
to be a light, that light
in this world,
not just this sanctuary,
this community, anticipating too
remembering his life, his promise
of eternal peace
November 30, 2008
Lighting of the first Advent candle,
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A New Year Begun
This day, a new year begun
Advent, the season of waiting
slowing our pace, even amid the holiday bustle
starting anew, centering us
on the light, coming into the world
waiting with anticipation, reminding us
the birth of our savior, his promise to come
to return, at a time of the father’s choosing
to set us free.
A new year begun, in a sanctuary colored in red, in green
in gold, in purple, readied for the coming child
the king come to earth, the son sacrificed
the gift of the father, to return in glory
waiting, watching, ready, we hope
for that day unknown, known to God alone
when our world will end
and his reign is at hand
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Advent, the season of waiting
slowing our pace, even amid the holiday bustle
starting anew, centering us
on the light, coming into the world
waiting with anticipation, reminding us
the birth of our savior, his promise to come
to return, at a time of the father’s choosing
to set us free.
A new year begun, in a sanctuary colored in red, in green
in gold, in purple, readied for the coming child
the king come to earth, the son sacrificed
the gift of the father, to return in glory
waiting, watching, ready, we hope
for that day unknown, known to God alone
when our world will end
and his reign is at hand
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Journey to Find Christ
Like them, a journey, each of us,
in our own time, our own ways
a journey to find Christ
walking as the Magi, the wise men,
following His star, being faithful,
waiting, expectant of the remembrance
the birthing of his life, down in a manger bed
Expectant too, the return of our king
trying, hopeful, to be awake, to be ready
anticipating the annual memory of the babe
the daily living out, our oil ready,
awake, on watch
our journey of life, of faith
preparing for our king
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
in our own time, our own ways
a journey to find Christ
walking as the Magi, the wise men,
following His star, being faithful,
waiting, expectant of the remembrance
the birthing of his life, down in a manger bed
Expectant too, the return of our king
trying, hopeful, to be awake, to be ready
anticipating the annual memory of the babe
the daily living out, our oil ready,
awake, on watch
our journey of life, of faith
preparing for our king
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Advent – haiku
came into the world
God as man, one flesh alive
waiting for the king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
God as man, one flesh alive
waiting for the king
November 30, 2008
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
