Monday, December 31, 2012

Year Ending / Beginning



taking stock, looking back
hoping for the future
for our journey, this walk
year ending/ beginning
the cusp of the time
our life, our journey
from birth to the grave


====
December 31, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas
Worship Theme: “New Year”
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)
Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)
and sermon – “New Beginnings
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 30, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

new beginnings


not just the new year
each moment, each day
an opportunity, a chance
to begin our lives anew

each morning at our waking
throughout each day
choices, eternal
how we live and pray

new beginnings given
pouring out as a blessing
to God, to our neighbors
to all whom we meet


====
December 31, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas
Worship Theme: “New Year”
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)
Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)
and sermon – “New Beginnings
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 30, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

each day each moment



each day
each moment
an opportunity
a new beginning
a new season
to follow, to care
to lift up our neighbors
witnesses to Christ
messages of God


====
December 31, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas
Worship Theme: “New Year”
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)
Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)
and sermon – “New Beginnings
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 30, 2012
First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden as a carpenter – v3

Born as a stranger,
a humble cave, a stable
watched over by livestock
shepherds from the fields

Gifts of the Magi, from the East
precious, foreshadowing
in the gifts that they brought
the whole story of his life

A refugee at his birth
the Savior of the world
come to teach us love
but manifest in God’s time

Hidden as a carpenter
over fifteen years of work
presenting himself in God’s time
baptized to save the earth


====  
Edited December 12, 2012
“Hidden as a carpenter – v2”
December 11, 2012
“Hidden as a carpenter”
Spirit Study,
around session 2,
“Giving Up on Perfect”
of video series:
“A Different Kind of Christmas: Living and Giving Like Jesus”
by Reverend Mike Slaughter
and companion book,
“Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus”,
also by Reverend Mike Slaughter,
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 9, 2012
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Worship Theme: “I Believe in the Love/ Peace”
Luke 3:1-6 (English Standard Version Bible)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Malachi 3:1-4 (Common English Bible)
Philippians 1:3-11 (Contemporary English Version Bible)
and sermon – “True Love”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 9, 2012
Second Sunday of Advent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as the Magi – v2



we, in our time,
like those before us
as the Magi
carrying treasure
coming to the Christ-child
to bow at his feet

may I come to worship
to bear my witness
to offer Christ my all
all that I am
given to God
my offering, my worship
to the Christ-child
my Savior, my God


------
Edited December 31, 2012
“as the Magi – v2”
December 31, 2012
“as the Magi”
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking the Christ



My journey, my hope
my life in my hands
bearing my treasure
in the path of the cross
in the way of the Magi
seeking the Christ
the Savior, my Shepherd
my hope for true life

My journey, my hope
my hope for true life
in the manger, the man
who came down to earth
in love’s offering
there on the cross
redeeming my life
all from the lost


------
Edited December 31, 2012
“Seeking the Christ”
December 31, 2012
“Seeking the Christ-child”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/seeking-christ-child.html
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a king foretold



they followed the star
to seek the new-born king
the one long foretold
the successor to David

the child in the manger
a king long foretold
the one under the star
the child born unto Mary


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to give gifts and to worship Jesus


the Magi’s mission
their purpose for the journey
following the star of the Christ
the herald of his coming
their mission,
not for power
to give their gifts
and to worship Jesus


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

murderous dreams

the whispers of evil
Herod’s murderous dreams
to kill off the Christ-child
the threat to his throne
the musings of evil
furtive, in secret
trying to implicate the Magi
in his evil scheme


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

and all Jerusalem with him



The story of the Magi
their quest for Jesus
the king born to us
to free us from sin
Their words upsetting
the puppet king
and all Jerusalem with him
all holding onto power


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

disturbing news



disturbing news
the birth of Jesus
a king long prophesied
the word fulfilled
the Magi coming
scaring the nation
those holding power
in old Jerusalem


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:3
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a king is born


a king is born
a threat to power
to those complacent
far too comfortable
a king is born
love come down
showing us the way
how to live
a king is born
upsetting creation
the world as we know it
turned upside down
a king is born
a threat to power
calling out the people
to change their ways


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:3
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

worship the giver of life

seek the Christ-child
worship the Savior
the giver of life
the hope for all mankind
come to his manger-bed
journey his path
follow the way of the cross
not the ways of man


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ is a Threat



Christ is a threat
and not just to Herod
all of Jerusalem was concerned
they joined him
Christ is a threat
to complacency, to power
challenging us to change
to repent of our sins


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seek Christ



seek Christ
the giver of life
the redeemed, healer
the source of Light
Love come down
into the manger
the man who climbed the cross
the risen Messiah

seek Christ
journey focused
our eyes on the prize
eternal life
Love come down
healing, redeeming
showing us the way
that leads us to life


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a threat to power


the rightful king
born in a stable
a threat to power
to their control
all of Jerusalem troubled
with the false-king
the babe in the manger
the rightful king


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:3
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking the Christ-child

My journey, my hope
my life in my hands
bearing my treasure
in the path of the cross
in the way of the Magi
seeking the Christ-child
the Savior, my Shepherd
my hope for true life


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

My eyes fixed


My eyes fixed,
on the star, the manger
on the cross, the throne
on the Eternal God
May I journey
may I come to worship
my life in the treasure
my all unto God


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

May I journey



like the Magi
sure of the treasure
of the king born to us
Christ come down
may I journey
my eyes focused
on you oh Lord
my hope, my strength


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as the Magi

as the Magi
carrying treasure
coming to the Christ-child
to bow at his feet
may I come to worship
to bear my witness
to offer Christ my all
all that I am


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.