Advent 2015

Now that Advent's over I can have a rest
And I really wondered which ode you liked the best
So please tell me your favourite
And also tell me why
And if it's not the one I like I promise I won't cry!
Thank you all for following it must have been a pain
But when it gets to Lent next year we'll do it all again

Waiting

Waiting, waiting, waiting
I wait a little more.
Watching, watching, watching
Until my eyes are sore.
List'ning, list'ning, list'ning
I'm list'ning to my core.
Praying, praying, praying
I feel my spirit soar.
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Till Jesus comes once more!

Fairy Lights

The fairy lights are twinkling on every Christmas tree.

Presents wrapped and placed around the base.

Enough food has been purchased, as far as I can see

For everyone to stuff into their face!

The waiting’s almost over. Speculation’s rife!

Will we get every little thing we need?

Will the family Christmas be spent with little strife?

Or will we all be overcome by greed?

Let us all remember in our squabbles and our fights

Just how very fortunate we are.

While we can sit enjoying our twinkling fairy lights

Others have not any food or power!

The child within the manger was sent for everyone

Not just those well endowed and rich.

Just let us remember for some other mother’s son

Life is really nothing but a bitch!

Thank our God for giving us all the things we’ve got

And pray for those who have to live on less.

And also that our leaders will not finally lose the plot

And lead our world into a bigger mess!

Present Wrapping

I'm sitting wrapping presents for folk I'll never see
Hoping that their Christmas will have a touch of glee!
I'm trusting God in picking the presents I should wrap!
A puzzle book or turbo car or even baseball cap?
I can have no inkling what present is required
I know that God is helping so the pick will be inspired!
I am just so thankful with my family around
Packing presents by me with a happy buzzing sound
I pray that those less fortunate may have their share of joy
As we celebrate the birth of Mary's boy

Truth

I love singing carols. To me they still inspire

With the well known music that sets my soul on fire.

They bring to mind the magic that I felt as a child

When I first heard of Jesus the baby meek and mild.

Familiar words and music I heard when in my youth

Before with more experience I learned they were the truth!

Ok, the truth is covered with layers of hype and myth

And, if questioned under oath, I’d have to “Plead the Fifth”!

But underneath the stories the truth comes shining through

God was present here on earth to comfort me and you!

He came here as a baby and grew to be a man

And had his joys and sorrows just as we all can.

He died and rose at Easter to save us from our sin

And went ahead to paradise inviting us all in.

That then is the baby that came at Christmas tide

And that my Saviour loves me still fills me with pride.

To Quit or Not to Quit

With talk of referenda and quitting in the air

It really is enough to make a man despair!

I am a European, I have been all my life

I saw it as the only way to put an end to strife.

Petty national interests no longer lead to war

That to me is really what the EEC is for!

I’m proud that I am British. I’m an Ulsterman.

I will serve my country whatever way I can.

But if you think that leaving the European bloc

Is really in our interest, then you’re in for a shock!

We are very fortunate that we still have the pound

We are insulated when Euro shocks go round.

We now trade with Europe as a quid pro quo

That situation changes if we decide to go!

Just think of import tariffs if they were playing rough.

Outside the single market things would be quite tough!

If it comes to trade war the bigger market wins

And if you are outside it your trouble then begins.

Ok! It is not perfect. We have to compromise

But if leaving is your answer please open up your eyes!

There’ll always be an England and England shall be free!

Just how poor an England do you want to see?

The Real Christmas

We celebrate at Christmas the birth of out dear Lord

Along with Christians everywhere, all with one accord

We’ve sanitised the image and made it very cute

So, to imagine Mary’s pain, you have to be astute.

Remember that your Saviour was born in poverty,

Though in our Christmas pictures that is hard to see!

We sing of “born in squalor” but do we really see

All the blood and excrement, and filth, just running free?

I know that throughout Christmas there is a glowing feel

But spare a thought for others as you eat your Christmas meal

Many, many people have not enough to eat

Let alone to stuff themselves with a Christmas treat!

Pray with me this Christmas that things will be more fair

And at last that there might be peace round everywhere!

Sleep!

I am an insomniac. My sleeping curve is steep.

That is why I crawl around looking like a creep.

I am feeling tired enough to drop down in a heap

I never have a slumber that is really deep

Till the alarm clock is ready to go bleep!

I have tried all remedies including counting sheep.

I toss and turn about so much the bedding I can’t keep.

Rational thoughts are going, from my brain they seep

If I were a car I’d be a broken down old jeep

If I were a whistle I couldn’t give a peep.

If I were a salmon I couldn’t even leap.

I am feeling tired enough to just sit down and weep.

I don’t want Christmas presents. All I want is sleep!

Façade

I may not be the person that you think you see

For I have layers of armour, all protecting me!

I like the world to always see a happy, smiling face

But really this can be a mask that’s hard to keep in place!

I may appear quite confident and full of savoir-faire.

You won’t know I’m trembling and wishing I’m not there!

I like to seem encouraging and helpful to a fault

But I would take this angel with a pinch of salt!

I am really selfish and conceited, full of pride

But these are the attributes I really wish to hide!

Of course I could just say these things so you will disagree

And praise me for my modesty. A bonus point or three!

All of us are actors strutting round our stage

Giving a performance that we hope just might engage

The people that we wish to count among our dearest friends

Or people who may help us achieve our longed for ends!

Of course the ones who know us well can see us deep inside.

They know all the subterfuge and the tricks we’ve tried!

Our Heavenly Father knows us. He sees right to the core.

And, for all our failings, He could not love us more!

Wednesday

I get up each Wednesday at just gone six o’clock,

Though getting up this early is a culture shock!

I meet a bunch of people for a coffee and a chat.

As well as telling stories, we talk of this and that.

Then it gets to seven and we begin to pray.

It is the most brilliant way to start a day!

We thank the Lord for everything, be it big or small

And pray for all the troubles we manage to recall.

It is a time of peace and calm devoid of busyness

We know that if there’s problems, Jesus will sort the mess.

Some of us will say a lot, others will hold their peace

But the presence of the Lord is there to put us at our ease.

We only pray for half an hour, a time that passes fast

But it fills us with an energy, which we know will last.

I thank God for Wednesdays and the folk with whom I meet

It is a source of pleasure, a wondrous weekly treat!

Angels We’re Not!

I saw a little angel in church the other day

Slyly push her sister and then just run away.

She may think her infamy has been quite unseen

If Mummy were not watching it just might have been!

We may think we’re clever and will not be found out

But our Heavenly Father knows what we’re about!

None of us are perfect and our actions are all known

So we should be thankful that God’s mercy will be shown.

Jesus came for all of us. To save us from our sin.

And rescue us for ever from the trouble we are in!

Endeavour

Though you may not be the best
You can be the best you can
In God's eyes you beat all the rest
For you're an honest man!
It isn't that you finish first
That proves how good you are
You battled through fatigue and thirst
That shows you are a star!
God's not really looking to
The people who excel
But those who simply muddle through
Will suit him just as well.
Providing that you're trying
You will always win.
On you God is relying
And He'll forgive your sin!

Salvation Army Band

It's with fond nostalgia, I'm sure you'll understand 
That I can remember the Salvation Army Band
With their shiny instruments and uniforms so neat
They'd come and play their carols at the corner of our street!
The girls with rattling boxes went from door to door
While people gathered in the road to hear a little more.
They played the simple Christmas songs that everybody knew
And we would sing our hearts out until the songs were through.
Then they'd march along the road to another junction
And play those rousing tunes again. It was their basic function.
We children followed in their wake A joyous, happy crowd.
Never giving too much thought to if it was allowed!
Eventually we'd be aware that it was getting late
And maybe missing dinner would be an awful fate!
I still can feel excitement when I hear a good brass band
It is with fond nostalgia as I'm sure you'll understand!

Santa Claus

I can still remember the thrill of Christmas Eve

For Santa Claus was coming, providing I believe!

I went to bed as good as gold but tried to stay awake

Just so I could see him give his beard a shake.

Of course I never managed it no matter how I tried

Though I could imagine him with Rudolph at his side!

I’d wake up very early and feel around with care.

Was that a sack of presents on the bedspread there?

Now I knew that Santa’d been, excitement was intense

I wonder what he’s brought me? I couldn’t take suspense!

I had to put light on and see what I had got

No chance of disappointment I seemed to have a lot.

I could hear from other rooms my siblings’ squeals of joy

Every time they came across another brand new toy.

We had to get together to share as children do

To show off to each other the things that we had, new!

Then there would be lots of noise and shrieks off pure delight

Though of course it really was the middle of the night.

We had indulgent parents, at least on Christmas morn

They’d join in our high spirits on the morning Christ was born.

Eventually we’d all get dressed, eat breakfast and prepare

Then we’d head off to our church for celebrations there.

We took a favourite toy with us to show off to our friends

And give our thanks to Jesus, as Santa Claus intends.

We’d peep at the Nativity to see inside the stall

At the little baby there, the Saviour of us all.

Home for lots of dinner and playing with our things

And joining in the carols that everybody sings.

It was a magic time of year and, when we went to bed

Tired but very happy, then prayers of thanks were said!

Rejection

I have been rejected many, many times.

Is this why I’m reluctant to publish any rhymes?

I have offered publishers the right to sell my books

But these very tempting fish have wriggled off my hooks!

Truth to tell, it’s difficult to try, and try, and try

When every terse rejection makes you want to cry!

I feel I’ve lots to offer in working with our youth.

I’ve enjoyed it when I’ve done it and that’s the honest truth.

But twice I have been tossed away like so much garden waste

Truth to tell, in several ways, it’s left a bitter taste.

I just have the comfort that the kids who liked my style

Still treat me with affection and a most engaging smile!

I was asked to join the music group because I love to sing

Not for my lovely harmony but the volume that I bring!

I caroused very happily for years, and years, and years.

And gave my time quite cheerfully. I hadn’t any fears.

Then one day, out of the blue, I was told to take a hike

I was just not good enough to sing behind a mike!

Now I can find good reasons why I have been rejected

I have got many, many faults, which may have been detected!

I am still contented to do the things I may

To always be of service in some other way.

God is always with me in all the things I do

With a chuckle He reminds me - He was rejected too!

 

Carol Singing

I love singing carols at this festive time of year

Though only old familiar ones are music to my ear.

Perhaps it is nostalgia for when I was a child,

With scenes of love and wonder; of Mary meek and mild.

The snow was always falling on those fabled winter nights

When we were singing carols with candles as our lights.

The coloured lights were glowing on the family Christmas tree

And I was snuggled warm as toast on my mother’s knee.

The words in ancient language with use of “thee” and “thou”

Never causing problems then, as they seem to now!

The language added mystery and awe to every song

And we understood the meaning, as we sang along.

We heard the Christmas story from my mother or my gran

Always told with reverence as only loved ones can.

So I find I’m transported to a world of innocence

Far removed from life today with all its violence!

So I love singing carols at this festive time of year

They fill my heart with wonder, with joy and with good cheer!

Secularisation

Society is more secular, or so the surveys tell.

The evidence is clear to us as churches die as well.

Decline in Christianity is clear for all to see

The only symbol left to us is a Christmas tree!

But that within our culture is an excuse to spend

And people finish up in debt, on that you can depend!

Our kids are growing wilder, there’s riots on the streets

And at football matches they’re ripping up the seats.

Christians seem to get incensed every other day

About no school assemblies or the type of Christmas play!

Instead of all this moaning about the change in schools

Maybe they should learn at last to play within the rules?

Instead of blaming others for the nation’s moral wrongs

Just get up off your backsides instead of singing songs!

Responsibility is ours to bring our kids up right

And were we not commissioned to spread our Saviour’s light?

Don’t blame the politicians or the teachers for our ills

But spread the word to others of how knowing Jesus thrills!

Decline in our society reflects on all the same

Try looking in the mirror, for we’re the ones to blame!

Bible Bashing

I truly love the bible it feeds my thoughts and prayer
But to use it to condemn someone, seems to me, unfair,
When some religious bigot quotes to prove that they are right
It really does not seem to me an edifying sight!
For churches to ban people for what they deem a sin,
Like homosexuality or drinking too much gin,
Does not fit in with Jesus and what he came to do.
Can we not remember the suffering he went through?
Ministers who think they should condemn a single soul
Do not know the bible or have not read the whole!
Churches banning sinners would have very empty pews
And little understanding of our glorious good news!
It was for all sinners Christ's victory was bought
And to win us all for God was what our Saviour sought.
I really love the bible but I'm not meant to judge
And from that position I will never budge!

Grief

My heart is filled with sorrow and I don't know what to say.
They told me that a friend of ours has sadly passed away.
I knew that she was very ill, there was no easy cure
But still we felt she had to live.We were so very sure.
True, we know she's done with pain. She's in a better place.
The sorrow and the pain is ours and that is no disgrace.
Those that she has left behind can only mourn and grieve
But God will give His comfort to those who can believe.
Of course for all her family it's much more hard to bear 
And all the rest of us can do is show we also care
We know our Saviour died that we might have eternal life
And take us to a better place away from pain and strife.
For those of us who loved her and feel our grief and pain
Our comfort is in knowing that we'll meet up once again!
Our Saviour will be with us as we walk this lonely path
And there will be rejoicing when we reach the aftermath.

Alone

When you're out at a party but you're feeling all alone.
When the conversation goes above your head.
When your only contribution seems to be to want to moan
And you wish that you were safely tucked in bed.
Take a break from your misery, get on your inner phone
And say a prayer of thankfulness instead!
Admit that you are lucky in the things that you've been shown
And the fact that you can eat your daily bread.
There are many in this world who do not reap what they have sown
And have to live in suffering and dread!
You will shortly find that your misery has flown
And with joyfulness and praise you'll look ahead!

Contentment

There was an old man from Belfast
Who thought that his best days were past 
Then he looked at his wife
Thinking this is the life
And realised that good things will last!

Fighting as Friends

The hardest thing in marriage is when you have a row

You want to give in gracefully but you don’t know how!

You weren’t the one that started it. You knew you were right!

You had every reason to argue, scream and fight.

Well ok, there was something that, maybe, you got wrong

But should you just admit it so you’ll get along?

There are faults on both sides, so why should you submit?

Should you just give in with grace and readily admit?

Can you see the funny side of adults in a rage?

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could turn another page?

Never go to sleep while fighting it is said.

In which case if we carry on we’ll never get to bed!

Isn’t that the one you love looking quite upset?

Go on just admit it – it’s the best chance that you’ll get!

I am sorry darling, I hate when we fall out

I shouldn’t have upset you of that there is no doubt.

Let us kiss and cuddle. You are my only love

And because you love me I thank my God above.

Dilemma

Life and death decisions are never too much fun

When MPs just can’t be sure which answer is the one!

Is this why they get annoyed and call each other names?

Forgetting that no one can win in people killing games!

Thank God in my dilemmas, when I don’t know the way,

All I really have to do is sit alone and pray.

Of course I have to listen to the answers that I get

Even though some answers will make me quite upset!

Lord, I lift the world to you with all its war and strife

For I know you have concern for every single life. 

Shining

Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light

What! With a face like mine? I’m sure I look a sight!

Like a little candle burning in the night

Certainly I flicker, so that just might be right!

In this world of darkness we must shine

But it’s pretty scary, will You see that I am fine?

You in your small corner and I in mine

With your help, my Master, I’ll try to hold the line!

Patience

I do not like waiting. I can get quite up tight!

To see me being patient would be wondrous sight.

I may seem quite calm to you but if you read my mind

To say I was a bunch of nerves would not be too unkind!

I guess I am contented in many, many ways

My life is full of happiness in almost all my days.

There are not many things I want. Indeed, I like my fate

But woe betide the person who tries to make me late!

I’m well know in my family for standing at the door

With somebody’s coat in hand, foot tapping on the floor!

I have a lightening temper though I cool off pretty fast

And when I’m eating chocolates they never seem to last!

To have to wait for anything is murder to my soul

If you ask me to wait awhile I may just lose control.

But when we talk of Advent, a time of eager waiting,

The moment of our Saviour’s birth that we’ll be celebrating,

I love to sing those Christmas songs so full of love and joy

Remembering the wondrous birth of Mary’s baby boy.

But if we think about it the whole world should be humming

In wild anticipation of our Saviour’s second coming!

I don’t often think of that because I don’t know when

And thus I would just end up losing patience once again!