Guardians of the divine secret

Mary and Joseph, the holy couple,
young, scared, and overwhelmed,
guardians of the divine secret,
the Christ growing within her,
the babe they placed in the manger,
the child they saved in Egypt,
the boy who taught in the Temple,
the man who was baptized in the Jordan,
who began His life of ministry,
beginning with the angels,
who visited the holy couple,
guardians of the divine secret
when infinity entered time…
 
=====================
January 8, 2025
Guardians of the divine secret
 
January 8, 2025
The moment Mary conceived
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-moment-mary-conceived.html
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2-v3.html
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

The moment Mary conceived

The moment Mary conceived,
overshadowed by the Holy Spirit,
that is when the miracle occurred,
Light entered the world…
 
The infinite entered time,
Christ became mortal,
not at the manger, on the cross,
but in the womb of Mary...
 
=====================
January 8, 2025
The moment Mary conceived
 
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2-v3.html
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3

God pierced the veil,
the curtain was ripped open,
eternity entered time,
God descended in a miracle,
Christ came to dwell with us…
 
a tear in the fabric of time,
a singular moment forever,
the infinite entering creation,
God in mortal flesh was born,
Mary laid Christ in His manger bed…
 
after the nine months within her,
the bread of life was born to Mary,
our eternal God of heaven,
the Son, our Messiah,
our risen Lord and Savior…
 
God pierced the veil,
the curtain was ripped open,
eternity entered time,
God descended in a miracle,
Christ came to dwell with us…
 
=====================
Edited January 8, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time – 2 – v3
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

was it the light John spoke of – v2

was this the light John spoke of
in his gospel, the holy scripture,
that was seen by the baptizer,
while he was yet in the womb,
the light in Mary’s vessel,
the light that entered creation,
the light that was growing
in her sacred womb…
 
was it Christ’s light, consciousness,
John saw, that made him leap
at the sound of Mary’s voice,
our Savior beside him, growing,
waiting within her vessel,
growing in secret, in silence,
His clay being molded
In her sacred womb…
 
=====================
Edited January 7, 2025
was it the light John spoke of – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

Nine months within Mary – v2

For those nine months within Mary,
Christ grew as we do, alive,
but fully conscious of His divinity,
of the uniqueness of His creation,
before the quickening of His flesh…
 
God grew within Mary,
His mother, yet His daughter,
for He was in Creation, the beginning,
“Before Abraham was, I Am”,
God within the womb of Mary…
 
For nine months within Mary,
the Messiah was hidden, in secret,
fed by her love, by her blood,
her life, her living waters,
bearing the light for the world…
 
God grew within Mary,
His mother, His first disciple,
the one who would raise Him,

who would walk with Him,
to Golgotha, to the tomb,
who is now with Him in heaven…
 
=====================
Edited January 7, 2025
Nine months within Mary – v2
 
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/conscious-of-his-divinity-v2.html
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
He humbled himself – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/he-humbled-himself-2-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

Conscious of His divinity – v2

Christ was God, divine,
at Creation, in the womb of Mary,
conscious of His divinity, His authority,
before the quickening of His flesh,
God alive in Creation, entering time,
what must Christ have felt, awareness,
growing within Mary’s womb…
 
Christ was fully alive in her body,
the eternal made mortal, growing as we do,
but aware of His divinity, fully God, fully man,
indwelling within her vessel, the seed of eternity,
our Messiah, the hope of all mankind, of life, life itself,
before the manger, before John leapt within Elizabeth,
Christ was conscious of His divinity before all else…
 
=====================
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
He humbled himself – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/he-humbled-himself-2-v2.html
Edited January 7, 2025
Kneeling before Your manger – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/kneeling-before-your-manger-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

He humbled himself – 2 – v2

Mystery of our faith,
Christ, the Messiah,
fully-man, fully-God,
was emptied of heaven…
 
God humbled himself,
entering time, conception
born, laid in a manger,
knowing every pain we endure,
choosing to die for us on the cross…
 
A mystery revealed,
held in our hearts, forever,
the incarnation of Christ,
bound into our faith…
 
=====================
Edited January 7, 2025
He humbled himself – 2 – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
Kneeling before Your manger – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/kneeling-before-your-manger-v2.html
Edited January 7, 2025
Eternal God donned human flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/eternal-god-donned-human-flesh-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

Kneeling before Your manger – v2

Kneeling before Your manger
the end of the waiting since the conception,
the birth of our risen Lord and Savior,
Emmanuel, God here with us,
the Messiah, God in mortal flesh…
 
Bowing down with the others
knowing the power of this moment,
the wise men, the lowly shepherds,
before the Babe in the manger bed,
the Man who would climb our cross…
 
Kneeling before Your manger
the now born risen Savior,
in awe and in humble worship,
in awe that Grace was born on Earth,
on that sacred silent night…
 
=====================
Edited January 7, 2025
Kneeling before Your manger – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
Eternal God donned human flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/eternal-god-donned-human-flesh-v2.html
Edited January 7, 2025
an intimacy with Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary-v2.html
Edited January 7, 2025
A new continuum – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum-v2.html
January 6, 2025
A new continuum
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum.html
January 6, 2025
an intimacy with Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary_6.html
Revised January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-before-manger-v3.html
Incorporating suggested edits by Bohdana Paievska
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
January 4, 2025
Nine months within Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-within-mary.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

Eternal God donned human flesh – v2

A thought too immense, powerful,
beyond my comprehension, my ken,
eternal God donned human flesh
and was placed in the manger,
born of Mary, of the virgin girl…
 
the immortal stepped into time
like us of mortal clay,
eternity became human,
to suffer and die, to ascend,
for us to soar to heaven…
 
God gave us Christ Jesus,
God’s greatest gift ever,
the overshadowing of the Spirit,
God with us in the manger,
the Babe who was born of Mary,
the Man who climbed our cross…
 
=====================
Edited January 7, 2025
Eternal God donned human flesh – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
an intimacy with Mary – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary-v2.html
Edited January 7, 2025
A new continuum – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum-v2.html
January 6, 2025
A new continuum
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum.html
January 6, 2025
an intimacy with Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary_6.html
Revised January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-before-manger-v3.html
Incorporating suggested edits by Bohdana Paievska
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
January 4, 2025
Nine months within Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-within-mary.html
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/conscious-of-his-divinity_4.html
Edited January 3, 2025
Constrained by His flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/constrained-by-his-flesh-v2.html
Based on #Philippians2
January 1, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time - 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

sitting down beside you – v2

out in public, fearless,
wanting to be inside you,
knowing how powerful
is my desire for you…
 
finding a place for us to hide,
to draw closer together,
but still out in the open
willing to take a chance…
 
slipping my hand gently,
under your clothing, darling,
down under your panties
until I reach your flesh…
 
taking a chance, a risk,
when I had the chance
to touch, to explore,
to reach for you
even out in public…
 
feeling you wet to my touch,
my own erection intense,
my desire overwhelming,
your waters, your taste, my love…
 
-----
Edited January 7, 2025
sitting down beside you  - v2
 
Edited January 7, 2025
Your living waters – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/your-living-waters-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, love,
 
#poetry #love

Your living waters – v2

 
Called by your scent, your power,
wanting to taste your nectar, you,
your living waters, your essence,
on my face, my tongue, my lips…
 
My eager tongue leads me,
parting your lips to tease, to taste,
your orgasm, our honey, flowing,  
when we just made love…
 
Epic carnal pleasures, longing,
a sensory explosion of desires,
drinking of your womanhood,
your essence, my love…
 
Oh, how many times, a dream,
you cried out, “harder, faster”
when my fingers dance,
on your clit, my desire,
awash in your froth…
 
Drinking from the well of you, slowly,
as you tease me, stroke me,
getting me ready, prepared,
for another round…
 
-------------------
Edited January 7, 2025
Your living waters – v2
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, love,
 
#poetry #love

Like water chiseling rock – v3

Persistently, slowly, relentlessly,
God changes our hate into love,
even love for our enemies,
our fear into faithfulness,
like water chiseling rock…
 
God softens our hard places,
our edges, dangers of our emotions,
God reshapes, God reforms our clay,
putting us on the Potter’s wheel,
our bodies Into God’s image…
 
---------------
Edited January 7, 2025
Like water chiseling rock – v3
 
January 7, 2024
Like water chiseling rock
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/like-water-chiseling-rock.html
Edited January 7, 2024
In His Ministry – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/01/in-his-ministry-v4.html
&
several poems written in 2009
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/search/label/Martin%20Luther%20King
on the juxtaposition of the
80^th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
January 18, 2009
In His Ministry
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-his-ministry.html
edited January 19, 2015
Changing the Wind – v3
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/01/changing-wind-v3.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, God, America,
 
#poetry #God #America 

Attrition a cancer – v2

Attrition a cancer, virulent,
the virus of Russia, of Putin,
metastasized, spreading,
devouring so much, defiant,
a plague upon this earth…
 
Attrition a cancer, spreading,
the virus of Russia, of Putin,
no soul, no memory, evil,
just abject carnage, genocide,
no remorse, only terror…
 
Attrition a cancer, to be defeated,
the virus of Russia, of Putin,
a war of genocide, of terror,
nothing remaining, destroyed,
yet they will surely rebuild…
 
Attrition a cancer, repeating,
the virus of Russia, of Putin
in hybrid war, in glide bombs,
in scorched earth tactics
from the past, from history,
but their time soon will end…
 
--------  
edited January 7, 2025
Attrition a cancer – v2
 
Edited November 29, 2024
Attrition – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v4.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness-v2_27.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
A death sentence – 2 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-2-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
The anguished words of the defenders
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-anguished-words-of-defenders-v2_26.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
Ten years under the gun – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/ten-years-under-gun-v2_26.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, prayer, attrition,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #prayer #attrition

A new year, a new page – v2

A new year, a new page,
a blank page to be written,
speaking life into the world,
a new way of living in peace…
 
A new year, a new page,
things to be abandoned, buried,
baggage to be left in the old year,
chains we no longer carry…
 
A new year, a new page,
for each of us to write in creation,
taking up our cross, walking,
on the path that God has written…
 
A new year, a new page,
to be authentic in each moment,
aware of the power of each thought,
each prayer spoken into creation…
 
A new year, a new page,
opportunities for seizing,
life in all abundance waiting for us,
if we would only believe…
 
--------  
Edited January 7, 2025
A new year, a new page – v2
 
Edited January 7, 2025
A prayer for Ukraine – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-prayer-for-ukraine-v3.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer

A #prayer for #Ukraine – v3

A year of great loss has just ended,
pain expanding, relentless, bombings
so much precious destroyed, chaos,
so many lives lost, so much damage,
in Russia’s war of terror, genocide…
 
A prayer for Ukraine, this moment,
a new year just beginning, praying,
that the tide will turn for them, quickly,
rising from their ashes, the rubble,
that their victory will come soon…
 
A year of life rising from ashes,
healing, renewal, life beginning,
restoration of their nation, their people
a just and lasting peace will rise for them,
a prayer that Russia will be defeated…
 
A prayer for Ukraine, this moment,
for their help, the allies stronger,
that support will continue, greater.
that victory will come ever quicker,
for these good and brave people…
 
--------  
Edited January 7, 2025
A prayer for Ukraine – v3
 
Edited January 1, 2025
A prayer for Ukraine – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-prayer-for-ukraine-v2.html
January 1, 2025
A new year, a new page
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-year-new-page.html
January 1, 2025
A prayer for Ukraine
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-prayer-for-ukraine.html
Edited December 28, 2024
Hybrid War – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/hybrid-war-v2.html
Edited December 28, 2024
Security for Satan – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/security-for-satan-v2.html
Edited December 28, 2024
On the border of Hell – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/on-border-of-hell-v2.html
2,000 mile land boundary with Russia
Edited December 27, 2024
When we stepped back from the brink – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/when-we-stepped-back-from-brink-v4.html
Edited December 27, 2024
Russia must be defeated – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/russia-must-be-defeated-v2.html
Edited/new name December 6, 2024
There is one Enemy, Russia
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/there-is-one-enemy-russia.html
Edited December 3, 2024
They fight the very same Evil – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/they-fight-very-same-evil-v2.html
Edited November 11, 2024
Attrition – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/attrition-v3.html
Edited and posted October 17, 2024
In this moment of madness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-this-moment-of-madness-v2_27.html
Written and posted October 12, 2024
In the crucible of war – 2 – v1
Typed October 17, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/in-crucible-of-war-2-v1_25.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, freedom, independence, history, glory, Happy New Year,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #freedom #independence #UnitedStates @NATO 

an intimacy with Mary – v2

her whole life for that moment,
her visitation from the angel,
told that she was worthy,
that she was blessed of God,
that she would carry the Christ-child,
that He would save the world...
 
a mystery to her, but she was faithful,
she did not shrink from her calling,
as she was overshadowed by the Spirit,
she sang her song of servanthood,
giving herself as the willing vessel,
to hold the babe, the Christ-child...
 
what a wonder for those months,
after Christ's conception, holy,
as God himself grew within her,
despite the calloused looks of so many,
Mary remained faithful to God
and Joseph stood by her side...
 
another moment, powerful,
a humble birth, the stable,
placing Christ in a lowly manger,
shepherds and the wisemen bowed,
under the watchful star overhead,
to see her precious baby boy...
 
an intimacy with Mary,
from the beginning, conception,
the journey that they traveled,
His mother and His first disciple,
from that moment with the angel,
until she breathed her last breath...
 
------
Edited January 7, 2025
an intimacy with Mary – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
Edited January 7, 2025
A new continuum – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum-v2.html
January 6, 2025
A new continuum
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum.html
January 6, 2025
an intimacy with Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary_6.html
Revised January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-before-manger-v3.html
Incorporating suggested edits by Bohdana Paievska
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

A new continuum – v2

Tearing the fabric, parting of the waters,
the infinite, the immortal entering time,
a new continuum, a new moment,
a new reality in the conception of Christ,
nothing the same, forever, a dividing line…
 
All that was before history, all after our future,
the living and loving of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
but before the manger, the shepherds, the wisemen,
a single moment, bold and precise, the instant,
when the Spirit fell upon Mary, Life…
 
A pivot, a turning, a line of demarcation,
the infinite became mortal, hidden,
hiding within the clay, the vessel
of her womb, her body, God
alive within her, growing…
 
Life, a new moment, God here with us,
life in its blessing, love overwhelming,
a new continuum, parting waters, sands of time,
nothing the same hereafter, changing,
when Christ became alive, a human,
months before His first breath…
 
------
Edited January 7, 2025
A new continuum – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
January 6, 2025
A new continuum
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-new-continuum.html
January 6, 2025
an intimacy with Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary_6.html
Revised January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-before-manger-v3.html
Incorporating suggested edits by Bohdana Paievska
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
January 4, 2025
Nine months within Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-within-mary.html
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/conscious-of-his-divinity_4.html
Based on #Philippians2
January 1, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time - 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2.html
January 1, 2025
the sentience of Christ
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-sentience-of-christ.html
December 26, 2024
Eternal God donned human flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/eternal-god-donned-human-flesh.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

A new continuum

A tearing of the fabric, a parting of the waters,
a new continuum, a new moment,
a new reality in the conception of Christ,
the infinite, the immortal entering time,
nothing the same, forever, a dividing line…
 
All that was before history, all after our future,
the living and loving of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
but before the manger, the shepherds, the wisemen,
a single moment, bold and precise,
when the Spirit fell upon Mary, Life…
 
Life, a new moment, God here with us,
life in its blessing, love overwhelming,
a new continuum, parting waters, sands of time,
nothing the same hereafter, changing,
when Christ became alive, a human,
before His first breath…
 
------
January 6, 2025
A new continuum
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
January 6, 2025
an intimacy with Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/an-intimacy-with-mary_6.html
Revised January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger - v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-before-manger-v3.html
Incorporating suggested edits by Bohdana Paievska
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
January 4, 2025
Nine months within Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-within-mary.html
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/conscious-of-his-divinity_4.html
Edited January 3, 2025
Constrained by His flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/constrained-by-his-flesh-v2.html
Based on #Philippians2
January 1, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time - 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2.html
January 1, 2025
the sentience of Christ
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-sentience-of-christ.html
January 1, 2025
Drafted December 28, 2024
He humbled himself – 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/he-humbled-himself-2.html
December 26, 2024
Eternal God donned human flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/eternal-god-donned-human-flesh.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation

an intimacy with Mary

her whole life for that moment, 

her visitation from the angel, 

told that she was worthy,

that she was blessed of God,

that she would carry the Christ-child,

that He would save the world...

a mystery to her, but she was faithful, 

she did not shrink from her calling,

as she was overshadowed by the Spirit, 

she sang her song of servanthood,

giving herself as the vessel,

to hold the Christ-child...

what a wonder for those months, 

after Christ's conception, holy,

as God grew within her,

the calloused looks of so many,

yet the faithfulness of Mary,

and Joseph by her side...

another moment, powerful, 

a humble birth, the stable,

placing Christ in a manger,

the shepherds and the wisemen,

under the watchful star,

to see her baby boy...

an intimacy with Mary, 

from the beginning, conception, 

the journey that they traveled, 

His mother and His first disciple, 

from that moment with the angel,

until she breathed her last breath...

------

January 6, 2025

an intimacy with Mary 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Nine months before the manger - v3

To understand time, eternity, the infinite, God,

the power of Christ's decision to submit, to descend into the finite,

nine months before the manger, the arc of the cosmos bent,

not a ray or tangent striving toward infinity—

but eternity carving an intimate singularity,

a new axis where time and timelessness fused...

Not a fissure, not chaos breaking the frame,

shattering the line between us and God,

but an intersection, an unyielding point, a promise—

a tear, yes, but a joining also, a melting together,

where the infinite wove itself into creation,

where life began anew, a new continuum...

Time folded, shifted, rippled in this moment,

not outward as a wave but inward, into flesh,

melding, transforming history, every future,

changed forever in a blazing instant,

Eternity, once vast and formless, ephemeral, 

clay in the vessel of His mother Mary’s womb...

Nine months before the manger, His birth,

a tear in the fabric of time, the veil between

eternal God and man, in the child growing,

a moment that defies comprehension, faith,

where the infinite became mortal, finite,

and the finite carried all of infinity...

-----

Revised January 6, 2025

Nine months before the manger - v3

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

an intimacy with Mary

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. All of my poems are at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

our journey to the manger – v4

Each year, in this season, this moment,
with the holy couple, with the seekers,
we join with all other pilgrims,
the Magi, following His star
seeking the Christ-child…
 
Rekindling memory, connection,
our journey to the manger, epiphany,
the coming of Christ, to His holy birth,
in awe and wonder, bringing our gifts,
praying for His return, as promised by God…
 
====
Edited January 6, 2025
 
Epiphany 2025
&
Edited November 20, 2023
our journey to the manger – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/11/our-journey-to-manger-v3.html
edited November 20, 2014
our journey to the manger – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-journey-to-manger-v2.html
December 3, 2012
our journey to the manger
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-journey-to-manger.html
edited November 20, 2014
More for the Kingdom – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/more-for-kingdom-v2.html
December 4, 2012
More for the Kingdom
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/more-for-kingdom.html
inspired by reading and
conversation at Poet’s Corner
at Suncook Senior Center
December 3, 2012
and my reading of my poem
“our journey to the manger”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-journey-to-manger.html
of December 3, 2012
Worship Theme: “I Believe in the Sun/ Hope”
Luke 21:25-36 (The Message Bible)
Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Common English Bible)
1 Thessalonians 3:9-12 (God’s Word Translation Bible)
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
Candle Lighting Liturgy (GBOD)
Great Thanksgiving for Advent (Alex Joyner, GBOD)
Prayer of Dedication (Adapted from GBOD 2012)
and sermon – “Believing is Seeing”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/sermon-believing-is-seeing-by-pastor.html
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 2, 2012
First Sunday of Advent
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, Christ, God, Epiphany,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Epiphany

Nine months before the manger – v2

The world changed forever, in an instant,
though we didn’t know it, a revelation,
Eternity entered time, the infinite mortal,
and that made all the difference…
 
Not in the stable, not when He climbed the cross,
no, the world changed forever, life was restored,
nine months before the manger, a miracle,
there was a tear in the fabric of time…
 
Eternity became finite, creation, life,
a moment in the timeline, in time,
an angle was created, a fixed instant,
a change forever, the conception of Christ…
 
Nine months before the manger more important,
life was created in the vessel of her womb,
when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary,
Christ entered the world…
 
=====================
Edited January 6, 2025
Nine months before the manger – v2
 
Based on Luke1:46-55, The Magnificat
Based on Psalm139:13-16
Based on John8:59
Based on John8:48-59
Based on Luke1:39-45
Based on Philippians2:5-11
Based on Genesis 1:26
Based on John1:1-3
Based on John1:1-18
Based on I Am statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John
January 5, 2025
was it the light John spoke of
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/was-it-light-john-spoke-of.html
Edited January 5, 2025
in the kernel of creation – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/in-kernel-of-creation-v2.html
Edited January 5, 2025
Christ heard Mary’s heart beating – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/christ-heard-marys-heart-beating-v2.html
Edited January 4, 2025
Their hearts beating together – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/their-hearts-beating-together-v2.html
January 4, 2025
Nine months within Mary
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/nine-months-within-mary.html
January 4, 2025
Conscious of His divinity
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/conscious-of-his-divinity_4.html
Edited January 3, 2025
Constrained by His flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/constrained-by-his-flesh-v2.html
Based on #Philippians2
January 1, 2025
a tear in the fabric of time - 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-tear-in-fabric-of-time-2.html
January 1, 2025
the sentience of Christ
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-sentience-of-christ.html
January 1, 2025
Drafted December 28, 2024
He humbled himself – 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/he-humbled-himself-2.html
December 26, 2024
Eternal God donned human flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/eternal-god-donned-human-flesh.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, incarnation,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #incarnation