The wonderous gift

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
    So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven
    No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
    Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
                                                                           ~ from Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Happy New Year!

‘May the Lord bless you
      and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
      and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
      and give you his peace.’ 
~Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
   

Life changes

Merry Christmas everyone (a bit late).

Lots of changes recently in my life. A new addition in the form of a three year old boy being one of them. As a result, my internet time has been greatly constricted. Now I find what time I have is spent looking for the best deal on pull-ups and baby shampoo. All that to say, posting will be erratic. ;-)

The Christmas Rose

A Rose has sprung from a tender root,
From Jesus, as those of old have sung,
And it bore a flower,
In the middle of a cold winter,

When half spent was the night.
Isaiah foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
Is Mary the pure, the little flower has brought us.
From God's eternal wisdom, she bore a child,
And remained pure.

The Flower, so small, whose sweet fragrance fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man and truer God, helps us out of all sorrows,
Saves from sin and death.

Oh Jesus, until we leave this misery,
Let your help guide us into joy,
In Your Father's Kingdom, where we eternally praise You.
Oh God, allow us this.

Translated from the early 15th century German poem "Esistein Ros' Entsprungen." Author unknown.

Come, Thou Almighty King

Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing,
Help us to praise!
Father all-glorious,
O'er all victorious,
Come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.

Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend;
Come and Thy people bless
And give Thy Word success;
Stablish Thy righteousness,
Savior and Friend!

Come, holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
In this glad hour.
Thou, who almighty art,
Now rule in every heart
And ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of Power!

To the great One in Three
Eternal praises be
Hence evermore!
His sovereign majesty
May we in glory see
And to eternity
Love and adore!

by Unknown Author

Lead me

You, O LORD, are my lamp;* my God, you make my darkness bright.
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me,* and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
~Psalm 18:29, Psalm 43:3

Step by step

Our steps are directed by the LORD;* he strengthens those in whose way he delights. If they stumble, they shall not fall headlong,* for the LORD holds them by the hand. I have been young and now I am old,* but never have I seen the righteous forsaken, . . .
~Psalm 37:24-26