New Year's Day

So the year begins again.
Last year wiped away
with all its highs and lows.

Births, weddings and funerals
counted out.
Statistics to some;
great wonder, joyous celebration or deep tragedy
to others.

Successes and failures
surfacing in the melting pot of life,
to be scooped off
and observed temporarily.

Trophies placed on shelves to gather dust.
Pain and disappointment
compartmentalized
by coping mechanisms.

Jobs gained and lost.
Friendships found and faltered.
Books read
and movies watched.

Snippets of significant conversations
lodged with vivid memories.
Thousands of others
wrapped in forgetful fog.

Goals accomplished.
Some still pending.
Dreams fulfilled
or badly broken.

Last year was full of these things.
Each year is,
and always will be
until the end of this world.

We only truly understand another's journey
when we have been touched by life in the same way.

Yet let us be there for each other,
even in our part understanding,
as this New Year is ushered in.

Let us trust the One
who gives us such
a grace filled opportunity

to see a New Year in again.

What to give at Christmas

What shall I give at Christmas?
What do my loved ones need?

They need me to be close,
and if distance separates us,
to know that my love reaches them there.

They need me to hug them,
more than once,
to feel safe
and that all will be well.

They need me to tell them
I love them,
not when I want,
but when they need to hear
those words of life and blessing.

They need me to slow down
long enough,
so I am not just a blur
at their visions edge,
but vitally present and real.

They need me to listen
to tales of favourite things,
and oft told stories
enriched by the telling.

They need me to laugh
at their jokes,
affirm what they share,
and smile with true understanding.

Most of all they need me to
reflect to them
the unconditional love, grace and mercy
I receive from my heavenly Saviour,
whose birth we remember this Christmas Day.

Last Chance to Buy

Last chance to buy
extravagant fragrances
soaked in celebrity culture.

Christ cut out
of Christmas
with satanic surgical skill.

Unwanted presents
passing back and forth,
to be re-gifted,
or donated shortly
to grateful charity shops.

Confectionery bulging
over the ends
of every aisle.

Supermarkets consumed
with sweet stuff,
cleverly packaged
to show the serving
in a more generous light.

Shoppers struggling
for car parks and trolleys,
festive jingles
ringing repeatedly
in their ears.

Inflatable Santas
sitting crookedly
on top of shelving,
sagging with slow deflation.

Traffic jams
in sleepy side streets,
as harried parents
stuff stockings
which get bigger every year.

The epoch of materialism
is at its zenith,
showing no signs
of waning,
except when natural disaster
or sabotage
brings commerce to a temporary halt.

Last chance to buy

Last chance to buy

Last chance to buy


before the Boxing Day sales.

Word Received for New Zealand 27.10.2016

I am making of you a mighty nation
and a mighty people group who will
shake the earth by the power of My Spirit.
The time of My power has come
and My people have made themselves ready
to be clothed in My power and to walk in it without harm.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons.
Demonstrate to an unbelieving world that My Kingdom
is indeed at hand for those with eyes to see.
Rise up in the knowledge of who you are as sons
and daughters of the King and stand steadfastly
in the battle.
You will see the powers of darkness overturned
in a greater way than ever before.
My Spirit in you will accomplish these things.
It is not of the flesh so no one can boast.
I will be exalted in this day says the Lord of hosts.

Handel's Messiah

Brooding expectation in tuning violins.
Audience anticipation of familiar joy
from music touched by genius.

The Conductor's careful control
with back to the audience,
but fully present
with orchestra and choir,
as they navigate melodies
striving for perfection.

The singers perfectly positioned
as each voice carries
clearly to eager ears.

Peace fueled delight
wrapped in Isaiah's comfort,
and John the Baptist's resounding cry,
beheading not silencing his words of life.

The Glory of the Lord shall be revealed
and all flesh shall see it together.
Sweet clear voices and deeper resonance
join in sublime harmony.

Voices chime out in peals of praise.
Manuscripts clasped in fervent hands,
each one in rapt attention
to the finely polished score.

Divine inspiration within Handel's mind.
God's Word wrapped in glorious tuneful form.

Unto us a Child is born.
Unto us a Son is given.
He shall be called Wonderful.
Full throated proclamation pours forth,
lifting spirits and warming hearts
with satisfying Truth.

God's glory manifest in crafted chorus
and the trumpets shrill cry,
a journey through the Messiah's life.

And He shall reign for ever and ever.

Long after the concert goers
wend they way home
with satisfied hearts and minds,
and alleluias rising from their lips.

Suspended In Starlight

Light filled beings
suspended in starlight.
Seraphim spinning
with delirious joy.

Cherubim's choral shout.
Warrior winged Creatures
coming close to Earth,
as on Creation's celebration.

Heaven's Hosannas.
Anthems echoing out
into vastness,
made by the Mighty One.

Psalms of eternal praise,
heard by mortal flesh and blood,
as the Incarnate One
comes forth in Virgin Birth.

Wrapped as a treasure.
Seen by men and angels.
Sent by His Father,
to save Mankind.