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

Your love, O LORD

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,* and your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep;* you save both man and beast, O LORD. How priceless is your love, O God!* your people take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They feast upon the abundance of your house;* you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the well of life,* and in your light we see light. Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you,* and your favor to those who are true of heart.
~Psalm 36:5-10

Let Your Heart Take Courage

How great is your goodness, O LORD! which you have laid up for those who fear you;* which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you. You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander them;* you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD!* for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city. Love the LORD, all you who worship him;* the LORD protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily. Be strong and let your heart take courage,* all you who wait for the LORD.
~Psalm 31:19-21, 23-24

Hope

They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
~Isaiah 35:10

Peace

I will listen to what the LORD God is saying,* for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.
~Psalm 85:8

We proclaim

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
~1 John 1:3 (NIV)

Refuge, shelter, shield

But all who take refuge in you will be glad;* they will sing out their joy for ever. You will shelter them,* so that those who love your Name may exult in you. For you, O LORD, will bless the righteous;* you will defend them with your favor as with a shield.
~Psalm 5:13-15

YAHWEH declares

Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, YAHWEH declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you call to me and come and pray to me, I shall listen to you. When you search for me, you will find me; when you search wholeheartedly for me, I shall let you find me . . .
~Jeremiah 29:11-14a

Be joyful always

Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this
is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is good to praise the LORD

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love
in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody
of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. ~Psalm 92:1-4

Endless praise

You are God; we praise you; You are the Lord: we acclaim you; You are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
~Te Deum