inexpressible joy continuous plain 12 14 10

8/8/2019 Inexpressible Joy Continuous Plain 12 14 10

1/44

InexpressiblejoyIm free!

When I tell my feet, Go!

They go.

When I tell my thoughts, Stop!

They do.

When I say that Im happy,

Its true!

My head says, I love you.

My heart says it too.

My head and my heart now agree.

Just as Truth promised Im free!

Possessions are dust;

Thank yous too small;

Eternitys not long enough

To measure YourLove

By the Deeps deepest grace.

Take freely whats already Yours!

From: Inexpressible joy ( a collection in Vision Cry)

By Genelle Allen; Copyright 2005; visit www.VisionCry.org
http://www.visioncry.org/


2/44

Inexpressible joyIs the fruit

Of a journeyThrough pains darkest darkness.

No one could have been more surprised

Than I,

To come through it and yet be here,

To come through it with understanding,

To just come through it!

Sometimes hope has been invested

For such a long time

That we lose the expectation of seeing what was hoped for, come to pass,

And begin to think that every good thing must wait for heaven.

It mustwait for heaven,

Gods throne room,

To be recognized

Within us, our bodies,

The temple of His Holy Spirit,

As He establishes His reign,

His kingdom, come,

Within us.

Oh, what a gift it is to be known by our Creator, inside and out,And then discover

He loves me!




3/44

List of Poems

A Christmas mirror 15A little tummy song 13And now it is written 24 and I rose 43 and then the music bowed 25 and there you are, my friend 41Autumns song 42Bethlehem glow, The 39Bond of peace, The 9Crystal lace 6

Diamond dust 17eh hem 18Eternity in your eyes 26giver, the 37Glad Tidings of Great Joy 7Happy is the man 27hello, little baby 8Id rather be wounded 5If you had been my brother 35Into your hands 10

I saw the song 34I see His feet 38Love letters 11Love so great it shows 33Lovers inn, The 29My family 40Potters wheel, The 28Princess child, The 20Resurrection seed, The 19She shines 30

So smile, little princess 16Tender mercies 36There is a Bethlehem 31There is a quiet 32thirty-nine plus one 44 when its very, very still 21When Jesus was a baby 14While the mighty lion yawned 12Who can know? 22Wisdom of a child, The 23

From: Inexpressible joy ( a collection in Vision Cry)By Genelle Allen; Copyright 2005; visit www.VisionCry.org


4/44

Id rather be woundedThis problem is most serious.

The penalty is death, You know.I cannot change the God I AM

Or give man laws for show.

Oh, Father, holy, kind and just,It was all for My Names sake!

If life for lifes the answer,Then I pray My blood to take.

Do you fully understandWhat darkness grows in hearts of sin?The battle will be fierce, my Son,

Though love can only win.

What better way to show themThe great I AM You are

Than to heal themThrough My blood

And draw them from afar.

O precious Son, the pain!To bear the shame of sin

Will wound Your holy heart,Though man can start again.

My Father,Well Thou knowest

That thoughThe cost be great,

The radiance of Your GloryWill open mans Life gate.

I love You, Son.You will succeed.It is already done.

My heart is weeping tears.Be blessed to go, My Son, My Son.

Go now, My joy, My Son.

I praise You,Gracious Father.

Though I hate to leaveThis place,

Id rather be woundedThan lose one child of grace.




5/44

Crystal LaceMorning m elds the splendor of the Sons light and warming glow

With the radiance of Gods gloryChrist Jesus, the King, has come.Tints of fading blue and advancing hues of fire dance furtively on delicate flakes of crystal lace.

Darkness recedes to cower at the edges of the deep.It is dawn.

There stirs anticipation of som e great mystery to be revealed.A deep aw areness of a penetrating peace enhances a g rowing sensitivity to all creation.

What has changed?The twitter of sparrows, joyous in their urging call, draws the eye to the clear blue of heaven.

Enveloping the earth in swaddling folds of tenderness, yet beyond ones grasp, it invitesIntimate fellowship in the thrown room of Heaven.

There am I stilled and quieted as I rest upon the footstool of the A lmighty.I wait.

What does it mean? My heart begins to race to the rhythm of an inner thunder.Its reigned power is stayed by a word by the Word.

As He wells within, and with sweet overflow of m y heart He passes through m y lips:In the beginning was the Word (Jn 1:1) The Word is Jesus! It is He who g races this day!

Christ has become our p eace with God ...! (Eph 2:14)I embrace the newly laid snow and study the wonders of this covering of grace, white and pure.

I consider the water from which it was fo rmed, still present, responding and revealing itselfto Any warm reception.

Broken water fragmented com pletely to expose the vulnerable beauty of Crystal Lace the

Very heart of love.He has come.




6/44

Glad Tidings Of Great JoyA mother births and bears all things

Brings forth the deep with her heartstrings

She tends little ones, gifts of the Father,

Drawing from H is springs of living water

Oh let the river flow.

Hold fast! Then let it go.

Send light that men may know

Hes in control

Before dawn kisses the morning dew

Theres much to teach of all thats true

She bows in prayer before the throneTends well the lambs before theyre grown




Hes in control

Come from the east! Come from the west,

The north and sou th, youll now be blest!

Gather them in, your sons and daughters

Safe from the snares of dark marauders




Hes in control

Her eyes upon the manger child

She knows the Word, bo th meek and mild

Shes standing firm on hallowed ground

And spreads her wings for those around



Send light that men may knowHes in control

Rejoice! Cry Glory! Rejoice!

The spirit of love has found its voice

Hails one true King amidst the throng

Immanuel bears Loves true song




Hes in control

Glad tidings of great Joy! Joy! Joy!Glad tidings of great Joy!

Glad tidings of great Joy!




7/44

hello, little babyhello, little baby,

Im glad youve finally come

Ive been awaiting your arrival

I can see you are the one!

What wonder I behold

As I look upon your face!

Through you has come My Fathers love,

A special gift of grace.

Excitement stirs my heartAs I seek the gift Youve brought.

All packaged up within You

Is all the love Ive sought.

I wonder how He did it

To make all of His love fit!

Right inside You, tiny one,

A holy fires been lit.

hello, little baby,

I love you now, some more.Thank you, Lord, for opening

Your love through graces door.




8/44

The bond of peaceSnuggled in beneath his arm

She sleeps, he sleepstheyre one.

Between them lay the promise,

Messiah, Gods own Son.

The quiet is so deep

It stirs him from his sleep.

A promise comes to life

In a blessing through his wife.

A promise made to have and hold

Grew from his heart of love.Though unforeseen what that would mean,

He knew it pure, from that above,

Love this child, and Ill love yours,

It seemed the quiet spoke.

A strange thing He was asking:

Bear this light and gentle yoke.

I will, his spirit answered,

To such honor Ill be true.

Then as he closed his sleepy eyes,

He heard, Son, I love you.

The baby stirred, she awakened.

Light from heaven seemed to bathe

Him, This mighty seed

From Gods own heart.

She pondered now, her part.

What can it mean? His coming!

Such hope Ive never known!

How shall we ever raise him?

Whats to be done

When Hes grown?

Her heart grew strangely peaceful

As quiet filled her inner deep;

Most gracious Lord,

What ere You will.

And then she fell asleep.

Snuggled in beneath His arm

She sleeps, he sleepstheyre one.

Between them lay the promise,

Messiah, Gods own Son.

O, children of His promise, rest in the covering of His fleece,

For He has joined Himself to you through Christ, the bond of peace.




9/44

. . . into your hands

Hush! Can you hear it?

Again! Hear it come?

Ohhh, such a quiet.

Hes given you His Son!

What stirs the heart of Love

To think so marvelous a thought?

What moves the mighty deep

To give all that He has got?

The thought becomes a seed

The seed, a manger babe.

Whatever was He thinking

As in my arms He laid?

Little baby boy,

The Fathers only Son,

This mothers child for but a while

Until His work is done.

Hes wrapped in clothes of light;

Time carries Him to the cross

Exchanging sin for Life.

I count this world but loss.

Hush! Can you see it?

Hes sitting on His throne!

Hes left a narrow trail of love

To follow Him back home.

Ohhh! Such quiet fills my soul!

I can hear all heavens bands!

The child You sent to train me up

I commit into Your hands.




10/44

love letters

J ust a moment longer; perhaps its on its way.Surely someone out there has written me today.

E very Christmas blessing began with seeds of joy.Each letter that is written bears the love of manger boy.

S hining through my window I can see His wondrous light.No letter has been written like the one He wrote that night.

U nder every Christmas tree a gift of love lays still.No gift wrap could contain it

And theres none that ever will.

S oon it will be clear that the letter has been foundWhich lets man enter grace where loves beauty can abound.From: Inexpressible joy ( a collection in Vision Cry)



11/44

While the mighty lion yawnedO blessed, holy, precious night,

When darkness hidAs Gods Son dawned,

And I was born anew in Christ

While the mighty lion yawned.

I lightly breathe, I faintly smile,

His eyes are closed in restful sleep.

I want that baby for my own

As outer turns to inner deep.

His eye upon creation

In majestic mystery

Has turned from universal scopeAnd focused now on me.

The seed is nestled in its bed

With swaddling clothes of earth.

What is this joy of life He brings

As another child gives birth?

This child embraced His Bethlehem

And His humble stable frond

And said, I want Him for my own!

While the mighty lion yawned.

Root of Jesse, Lamb of God

In faithful truth my soul doth keep.Let heaven resound as angels sing

When Glory calls to inner deep.

O holy night! That precious babe,

Into my arms, entrusted

Every child, the poor, the weak,

To tend those diamond-dusted.

Rejoice and sing, I claim this king,

Who claimed this child

from darkness pond!

Who will heed Deeps called to deep,While the mighty lion yawned?

Lion of Judah, King of kings,

Messiah, risen Savior,

Compassion filled Your eyes with love

And granted man Gods favor.

Rise up, O King of Glory, rise.

Rise up, and claim Your throne.

O light of life, be blessed tonight,

The Bride is coming home!




12/44

A little tummy songWhen I was just a thought

In the Deep of Fathers mind,He chose with greatest care

To form me after His own kind.

He chose a heavenly choirTo weave a heart song for His Son.

He carefully chose the parentsTo love His giftme, His little one.

He placed wonder for His majestyInside my forming brain,

Then filled my senses with His voiceTo lead me home again.

He crafted each the diagramsWhich coded what Id be,

Then He smiled into my spiritAnd breathed His life in me.

I know Hes gone before meTo prepare where I belong,

So Ill praise Him while Im waitingWith this little tummy song.




13/44

When Jesus was a baby

When Jesus was a babyHe didnt have a bed like me

He slept out in the cold

For the whole wide world to see.

When shepherds came to see Him

He couldnt get up to play

cause He was just a baby

And He slept with cows on hay!

When angels sang, Hes here!

I bet the stars jumped down to see

Just to get a peek at Him

And dance and shout, Whoopee!

When wise men brought Him presents

I wonder if they went and told

That Jesus was a gift Himself

And better than their gold.

When little lambs laid by Him

I bet they slept the whole night through

And werent afraid of monsters

Or the naughty things they do.

When Jesus was a babyHe already knew my name

I love that baby Jesus

And He loves me just the same!




14/44

A Christmas mirror

I dont know what it was that woke me

I wasnt sleepy, not a bit

I went to turn the light on

But it seemed the sky was lit.

I looked out of my window

On the new ly fallen snow,

The stars w ere shining brightly

And the earth just seemed to glow.

Im certain it was nighttime,

Bu t verrrry long ago.

I knew I was in Bethlehem,

The peace just seemed to flow.

Its Mary and the baby!

Josephs standing by her side.

Oh wow ! This is amazing!

If they see me should I hide?

A horse tied in the stable

Is watching me draw near.

He looks a lot like mine at home,

I guess theres nothing here to fear.

I must be sleeping, silly me

No way could I be there

But still Im sure that odor

Is from the horses hair.

I try to lean across him

To see baby Jesus better,

But He sees me and He smiles

Or is He looking at my sweater?

My sweaters kind of sparkly

With all kinds of light reflectors.

I look sorta like a Christmas tree

Or maybe one ofHis protectors.

Hes grinning now! He likes me!

I can tell by how He wiggles.

If I could hold Him oops,

I tripped...

And now Hes full of giggles.

Oh Jesus, thanks for coming.

I know You came for me to see

This dream is like a Ch ristmas mirror

Reflecting all Your love for me!




15/44

So smile, little princessShes racing out the door

cause the bus is almost here.

As she scrambles for her backpack

Papers scatter everywhere!

Oops!

A great big grin appears,

And her eyes lift to the rafter.

Isnt life a hoot?

She rolls with peals of laug hter.

The bus is on its way

So she jogs, its not too late!But then her jacket hooks

On the playgrounds wire gate.

Oops!



Isnt life a hoot?


The teachers calling names

And shes on the board again.

One little slip, one little punch,

And theyre calling next of kin!

Oops!



Isnt life a hoot?


But as the day goes on,

Things seem to get a little better . . .

Painting pictures on the page

Instead of p racticing the letter!

Oops!


And her eyes lift to the rafter.Isnt life a hoot?


But thats enough for this day;

After school its much more fun.

Skating, twirling down the road . . .

Where didthat car come from?

Oops!



Isnt life a hoot?


Baths all done, its bedtime

But theres time for just one story

Lets read about the Wisemen

who found the King of Glory

and

Then lets sing Joy to the World,

light candles in the dark,

Ive got a great idea!

Lets play manger in the park!

Oops!



Isnt life a h oot?


Curled up in her bed, she sleeps,

And holds her bab y very close.

When Jesus passed o ut gifts of grace

She received an extra dose!

So smile, little princess,

Let your eyes reveal the truth.

Youre the treasure of His heartno oops

And Hes got His eye on you!




16/44

Diamond DustWhen God created man,He gave what could not rust.He scrunched up H is great love

And created diamond dust.

The baby in the manger was a polished diamond gem.

He came so bits of diamond dust could find the cross road back to Him.

A thought becomes a seed,

A seed becomes a man,

A man becomes a child,

According to God s plan.

When I consider seeds, the wonder in a c hilds eyes,

Your face appears before me with love that stills unspoken, Whys?

It takes a lot of courage

For a man to be a child.

It takes a manger baby

To tame what once was wild.

When I see your face before me,

His joy, His child . . . delight,

I see you diamond d ust, forever, Most precious in His sight!




17/44

eh hem I wanted to be silly, just like when we were small,

But I can see His light of peace, shining through the stall.

I wanted to pretend that youre a straw beneath me, but,

The cattle mooing near me asked I keep my big mouth shut.

Id like to tell your wife that it took great strength to stay,

But a donkey swished his tail at me and filled my mouth w ith hay.

eh hem, . . . some more . . . .

Perhaps its just the quiet that penetrates the soul,

But my thoughts are shifting focus and Ive found a better goal.

Perhaps its angels singing--songs the ear cant hear,

But theres a joy thats building and Im longing to draw near.

Perhaps its just the memories of the C hristmas stories told,

But Im stretching forth my arms in hopes that babe, Ill get to hold.

I know He lives, just as He said, as Glory shines this night,

And I believe there is no joy, like walking in His light.

I wanted to be silly, just like when we were small,

But now its time to tell the truth, and come out from the stall!

eh hem . . .




18/44

The resurrection seedAngel cards and mistletoe,

Lights all sparkled, sleigh bells tinkled,

As santas ho-ho-hoed to earn

Their cookies, sugar-sprinkled.

Merry hearts like medicine

Bring joy and do much good.

Songs of cheer bring far to near

As crisp air wafts of balsam wood.

Gifts of love exchanged with hugs

Go far beyond the need.

Excitement stirs as wonder grows

Oer Lifes resurrection seed.

Sleepy eyes; had so much fun;

The tinsel dulls, the lights grow dim;

Bethlehem, its secret shared . . .

Nights Deepest light reminds us now of Him.

Lambs softly chew as cattle moo;

Peace on the earth--to those whod heedThe Fathers loving call to grace

Through the resurrection seed.




19/44

The princess childShe snuggled in her mamas arms

And closed her eyes in sleep.Already she was trusting Him,

Her heart to safely keep.

I need some more attention!Her baby cries would shout.

Her heart was like an open bookLetting everything inside, out.

How eager, as a child,She explored her world of sound.

It was never hard to find her,You just had to turn around!

Little ears were made for listening,For learning about Gods Son.

She listened well to what she heard,Sharing Him with everyone!

When the childrens choir sang,Her voice, like angels, would proclaim,

I bring to you great news of joy!Because she bears His name.

Yes, shes a princess child.He chose her from the start.

Though darkness fills the valley,Hes tucked safely in her heart.

Yes, shes His princess child,His Name, her every song.

Hes seated her right near His heartAnd loves her all day long.

Did I say day? I meant night, too,For even night is day to You, Lord.

Thank you for Your Spirit, mild.And thank You, Father,For this princess child.




20/44

. . .when its very, very still

Early morning, late, late night,Sometimes its all the same.But early, late or in between,

I hear Him whispering my name.

When its very, very still.

Is it Christmas yet, or Easter?But for time, indeed, theyre one.

I consider my lifes journeyAnd it seems Ive just begun.

I remember in my youthOn a clear, bright summers day,

As I searched for God amongst the cloudsAnd wondered if Hed heard me pray.

He must have smiled gentlydown,As in tall grass I lay.

I wonder: did it remind HimOf how His Son laid on the hay?

O little baby, Jesus,O great and coming King,

The mysteries of Your loveCompels my heart to sing.

Thank You for Your grace,And showing me Your way.

Thank You for just loving meThrough those Youve sent today.

The best times that I share with You,When Deep calls out to deep,

Are moments in the still of night

When You awaken me from sleep.

Its then upon Your heart I layAnd delight in joyful rest,

As You whisper, just so tenderly!That I am Yours. Oh how Im blest!

Early morning, late, late night,Sometimes its all the same.

But early, late or in between,I hear You whispering my name,

. . . when its very, very still.




21/44

Who can know?Who can know a Fathers love

So great His Son Hed send?Or fathom all the mysteriesOf beginning without end?

Once there was a fatherWho planted fields of grain.Each seed was like a treasure,A little promise of great gain.

His life was like his fields,Which he tended with great care.

His hopes and dreams, his joys and love,He chose in tenderness to share.

Once upon forever,Another Father loved.

Within His Son He plantedAll the love from heaven above

Once upon a memory,Dust rose up from the harvest.

A daughter worked beside her dadAs thunder rolled in with the dusk.

Another Fathers fieldsAre golden from Lifes filling.

He searches the horizonAs He watches for her coming.

Who can know a Fathers loveThat tends and never sleeps;Who listens to each whisper

Of the child He holds and keeps?

Time is but a toolTo show the seeds of each mans heart.

Christmas is but Easter,Eternal from the start.

So who can know a fathers love?The hearta field for filling.

So who can know The Fathers love?Only the willing.




22/44

The wisdom of a childHis life was very hard; it held no lasting peace. He battled for control and feared

Hed never find release. He knew such endless pain was never meant to be.

But dared he even hop e that he could be set free?

Where d oes a child hide, when hes so very small? Its lonely in the dark;

Whod even hear if he should call? Whos to understand as he cries out in the night

That the baby in the manger had come to be his light?

Just as the boy became a man, so too, the Christ child grew. One day He spoke into his

Heart, Ive come in search of you.

The man cou ld find no words, he thought it much too late,

For sleepless nights and torments chains had brought him to h ells gate.

And yet there stirred remembrance of a tiny spark of hope that came to him when he was young,

And dang ling from lifes rope.

The hope was b orn of promises that Christ Himself had made.

The young bo y gave his heart to Him and wondered w hat all Hed paid.

But darkness wasnt finished as it stirred its hateful lies. H ope faded out and Jesus wept; the man

Stifled little boy cries. But love can never fail, and Jesus will not lose.

Each day He calls him home, and it forces him to choose.

Its hard to start again when trust has once been torn, but harder still is choosing lies when one has

Been reborn. Choice is free wills proof, which even children reap.

And T ruth is faithful to the end, His prom ises to keep.

That baby in the manger now sits on heavens throne. H is greatest hearts desire is not to sit there

All alone. He gave H is gift; He kept His word; His mercys ever mild.

Hes called the man to come back home, with the wisdom of a child.

O precious child of prom ise, youre the heir of Christ the King.

Its time to know W hom yo u rememb er. Your Father searches the horizon . . .




23/44

The face of the deep was formless. He was there.The foundations of the earth were laid. He set them in their place.

The garden grew and man was formed in His image. They were good. Very good.

Then the destroyer wreaked his havoc................. Edens light departed.............. until,The Word became fleshAnd dwelt among us.

And nowit is written:In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has

not understood it. John 1:4-5

O little seed of promise,

O child of God most high,

O Son of M an who walked this earth,O Lord W ho lived to die,

Your glory filled the heavens

In Bethlehem one night;

Your resurrection brought man Life

By the power of Your might.

The light that shines in darkness

Consuming havocs lies,

Is Holy Sp irit fire

In response to prison cries.

Stand down, you lord o f lies,

Bow low, O man of pride,

The darkness flees before His peace;Theres no place left to hide!

Arise, O King of Glory, ride!

On worship due Your Name.

Reveal Your heart, make known the truth,

In steadfast love, the same.

With tender loving kindness,

In patient faithfulness,

The Father calls us each by name

To share eternal rest.

O prisoner of the darkness, it is written: Though it cost all you have, getUnderstanding. Pr 4:7




24/44

and then the music bowedNow I lay me dow n to sleep

But sleep artfully eludes me.I pray the Lord my soul to keep.Ah, yes, dear friend, my Lord, I see.

Flitting on the edges of m y though ts there is a shadow. Its followed by another, yes, therereMany, many m ore! Now it moves across my mind with anot her just below. The

shadows Taking form as its building up a score!

A wiseman shakes his robes as he steps into the scene. His camel gives a sneeze from too m uchDesert dust. Another wiseman scans the sky to track the gu iding beam in search of

hidden Treasure through a promisego He mu st.

The shadows in the backgrou nd have united; they are strong. Rum blings have begun; a rhythmShimmers through the Deep. Scrambling to position, the notes find where they belong.The Rum blings turn to words as angels soar, their guard to keep.

Shepherds hasten to the manger. Can the angels word be true? In deepest quiet rests theStable; indeed, the babe is on the hay! Glory fills with the beauty the Presence of loves

hue. None can speak. There is no needMessiahs come this day!

The positions all are taken as the notes await command, gathered round abo ut Him as aSwaddling gentle cloud. Silent night reverberates throughou t the ancient land. Notes

Burst forth from their shadows and thenthe music bowed.

Silent night,. . . silent night, . . . Holy night, . . . holy night . . . Now I lay me down to sleep, at last, my minds at ease.

The Lord is keeping watch and holds This child in His light.Sleep in heavenly peace . . . Sleep in heavenly peace.




25/44

eternity in your eyesI close my eyes. Its Christmas!

Quiet peace has filled my soul.

I fold my hands and think of her,

With insightful, deeper goal.

Pictures of the manger

Blend with memories I hold:

A mother filled with wonder,

His Son entrusted--Love is bold!

I see her bending low,

Her hands in simple, tender prayer.

A grandma shows His higher way

To teach how best His love is shared.

I close my eyes. Its Christmas!

Melody of praise springs from my heart.

Children rise up, call her, blessed,

And seeds of love find hope to start.

Though time ever marks our journey,

In the Deep of God, it is no more,

For as things fade and pass away,

Therere much better things in store.

How blest I am to know you.

In just a little way.

I see the radiance of His Glory

As you brighten each ones day.

I close my eyes. Its Christmas!

And like the wonder of Bethlehem skies,

I remember your kind smile,

When I saw eternity in your eyes.




26/44

Happy is the manI didnt get what I had asked for,

Or so it seemed to me.

The Christmas peace was missing

As I searched beneath the tree.

I sposed it was a lot to ask---

The gift that I had sought.

So I tried to be content,

Remembering what Hed taught.

I didnt want to smileBut it crept onto my face.

A little babe, a little boy,

A blessed gift of grace.

I didnt want to hear his voice,

But memory does strange things.

His laughter filled my ears with joy

As a bell of Christmas pinged.

I didnt want to smell the fragrance

Of the shampoo in his hair.

But nonetheless, I smelled it,

And for that moment, he was there.

I didnt want to feel his hug,

So gentle to my heart.

But there it was, just like a song,

With notes of love, though were apart.

I didnt want to see him

In the faces round about,

But there he stood ... Beside theKing?And I gave a mighty shout!

O blessed Savior, Sovereign Father,

You gave me more than Id asked for!

Bethlehem sings! My heart resounds,

Happy is the man whose god is

the LORD!

Be blessed with the resurrection power of Christmas . . .

Christ walks, both here and there.




27/44

The potters wheelRound and round, up and down,

My world is in a tizzy;And yet, I feel the potters hand

Though I spin til I am dizzy.

It isnt wise to challenge HimAbout what He is molding.

Ive learned enough to wait and seeAnd spare myself a scolding.

But I confess Im wondering,About the time its taking.

I fear I must be quite a messResults of my own making!

Oh can it be that He can seeSome beauty in the ashes?

I search His eyes for signs of hopeBut fear intrudesmind flashes.

Hed have to be a great big godTo make me pure and holy.

But then He said He takes the weak . . .And loves the meek and lowly.

Hed have to be a loving godTo forgive all that Ive done.

But then He did send Jesus? . . .And sacrificed His Son.

Oh can it be? Can it be trueThat the mirror in His face

Is reflecting how He sees me?Clothed richly in His grace!

I see the sparkles of His smile.Such beauty prisms through me!

And now Hes bending lowerTo kiss the child on His knee.

O holy child of Bethlehem,Your promises are true!O King of Glory, Im Your child.

Good potter, I love You.




28/44

The Lovers innO precious Lamb of Glory,

O child of His delight,

What promises were birthed

On that holy, blessed night!

Such love, to give ones child

To redeem ungrateful men

Who love the deeds of darkness

And refuse the lovers inn.

A little town, a little stall,

An awesome God, an awesome wonder;

A little babe, a little seed,

An awesome light and gift to ponder.

Another scene, another time,

A nurse who humbly prays;

A child experiences loving grace

As Christ extends his days.

A mothers heart so full of love

Tends children not her own.

To each is given as he needs,

A touch of heavens home.

A sister and a friend

Extends her heart again,

Revealing truth and grace above

As she shares her Lovers inn.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,Not lacking anything. James 1:2-4




29/44

She shines

She shines with the beauty of radiant love.She walks with a confident glow.

Her steps are secure as she gives life a hug,For shes blessed and a blessing . . . I know.

He shines from the manger in the image of God.

He invites we partake of His Glory.His steps follow after the delight of His eye,As she lives out the truth of His story.

Shine, little princess, delight of His eye,Shine like the diamonds of heaven.

Order your steps in the light of His love;Let the world know the love youve been given.

From: Inexpressible joy ( a collection in Vision Cry)By Genelle Allen; Copyright 2005; visit www.VisionCry.org


30/44

There is a Bethlehem

There is a Bethlehem silently waiting

Deep in every mans heart.

There is a longing in each little stable

To know love as we did at the start.

Before you were formed in the womb, yes, I knew you.

I made and I loved every part.At your birth Ill be calling your name to come home

Through rebirth, to your place in My heart.

There is a Father Who loves each of His children

With a love that can heal and make whole.

There is a father, and mother, of promise,

Training them up in the way they should go.

Be blessed this year with the heart of the Father Who loves you.

May Your Word, Father, rest in my Bethlehem.




31/44

There is a quiet

There is a quiet that one can feelWhen his heart is stilled by peace.There is a quiet that sings, I live!When the will permits its release.

There is a quest for truthThat time cannot deny.

There is a quest for answersTo the question, Who am I?

There is a hope that moves the soul

Towards light in deepest darkness.There is a hope that draws man nearTowards unity through kindness.

There is a song that children hearWhen angels bear glad tidings.There is a song the Savior sang

When He loved us through His dying.

O angels, Sing! And shepherds,Watch.Christ the King yet lives in Glory.

O holy night, in Bethlehem,Ring out Loves Christmas story.




32/44

Love so great it showsI see the gently falling snow,

A babe in swaddling clothes.

I marvel at the wonder

Of love so great it shows.

I see it in the whispers

Of wind cradling the leaves.

I see it in the harvest

As men gather in the sheaves.

A gentle word, a tender look,

A kindness undeserved;I see it in the servants heart

Unmindful who hes served.

Ive seen this kind of love,

Not seeking its own way;

Ive marveled at its beauty,

How it brightens up ones day.

The stable light shines warmly

In the heart of Bethlehem.

A Father loved His son,

Then loosed his precious gem.

Christmas was the seed,

The birth of promises, foretold.

But such a gift! It cost His life!

In all the world, no greater gold.

When evening brings the stars

And the night reveals the Deep,

I think about this God I trust--

My soul Hell ever keep.

I see His sparkling diamonds

Grace-filled tears upon the sky.

I feel His faithful longing

And His tender watchful eye.

The Christ child beckons still.

Be still my soul and know,

The Father gave His all

That His love for me would show.

More great a love be yours this Christmas,

A gift to you from Christ the King.

And may your hands, in service, find

True worth in all He brings.


http://www.visioncry.org/http://www.visioncry.org/


33/44

I saw the songThe night was very quiet,

My thoughts had grown quite still.

The sky seemed never-ending,

The dark had lost its chill.

A scroll began descending

Like a music sheet unrolled,

And time began to playThe song of love so often told.

The notes that blessed the pages

Held memories filled with sound.

They filled my heart with laughter

As they turned my head around.

I heard a mother singing oer

Her babe in swaddled clothing.

I saw the song of love

Embrace the one Hed chosen.

The music floated upward,

Now shines the world around.

It sprang up in my childWhen Christ the King was found.

And now my child has grown

And serves to light a distant land,

As Bethlehem shines

Its timeless song,

And leads him by Christs hand.

Sing out! O light; Rejoice! O King.

The Fathers bending nearTo gently touch His little child,

And tell him: I am here.




34/44

If you had been my brother

Ive heard about the storyWhen You were just a babe.

It mustve been cold on the hay

Where they told me that You laid.

If You had been my brother,

I would have given You my bed

(Its really neat, all blue and soft)

And Id have curled up by Your head.

I heard that there were cows there,

And lambs and donkeys, too.I would have liked tove been there,

Then I could learn to moo!

(Just kidding.)

But I do wish I had been there,

Or better yet that You were here!

cause if You had been my brother

I would always keep You near.

I would hold You and Id cud dle You,

And teach You to be brave;Then Id share You with my friends

So their hearts You too could save.

And w hen you got a little biggerI would take You by the hand

Id teach You all the songs I know

And how to m ake moms hair stand.

(Just kidding!)

But I do wish You could be here;

Id tell You all the jokes I know.

My sister thinks Im funny,

We could put on quite a show.

Then we could tease our dadAnd play out in the snow,

Or shoot some hoops, go skating,

Swim! or just hang out, ya know?

If You had been my brother . . .

What? What is that You say?

You are my brother?

And You re in my heart to stay?

Whhoooooooooo! T hats cool.

Hey!You hungry?




35/44

Tender merciesBefore you were formed in the womb

I knew youBefore the foundations of the earth . . .

I AM

Twinkle star, there you are,Light within my eye.

Visions of your homelandFlit across the sky.

Held Grace within His palm,To earth from heaven came down

Into willing hearts below, . . .Humble birth, of no renown.

Could I hold you, could I please?Though my hands are very small,I bring my Fathers love to you

And He is very tall.

Cattle stall and manger bedFrom age to age the same.

How blest to know a God like YouWhod sacrifice His Name!

Spirit flowing like a breezeFloats gently through my heart.Tender mercies have come down

To give a brand new start.

Could I hold you, could I please?Though my hands are very smallI bring my Fathers love to you

And He is very tall.

Love flows like a river with Life its own hearts blood.Mercy falls like heavens dew,

Every drop though precious, was spent for love of you.




36/44

the giverHe didnt seem like much

When he held the tiny seed.

How could He know, beyond His time,

A mu ltitude Hed feed?

The baby in her arms

Was such a wee, small thing.

How could she grasp the glory

His Name wou ld one day bring?

A boy holds out his hand,

The baskets filled with food.

The seed, Whos grown into a man

Then feeds that multitude!

A woman drops her pennies--

Thats all to her, remain.

I tell the truth, is said of her,

Shell taste of heavens gain.

Ill take his place, and his, and hers,

He says before Gods throne.

Ill give Lifes blood to save them

And bear sins that arent My own .

There is silence in the heavens.

The temples torn in two.

This chapters done, its finished . . .

The rest is up to you.

And the woman said, Ill go!

And the man said, Ill go, too!

Indeed they went and dont you know?

The two, were you . . . and you!

Two by two, as one,

They shared the givers Son.

Through all each two have done,

Little lambs share what Hes won.

Let the little children come

To Bethlehem and see

How great a love the Father bore

When Christ came to set men free.

O greater loves been shown.

No power can ever sever

The cord of love that binds us

To the heart of God, the giver.




37/44

I see His FeetIve tried to still my soul, be quiet,

Search my heart, go deep er still.I close my eyes, breathe slowly,

Living Water rises, fills.

Im not sure just w hat Ill findOuter Deep greets inner deep,

In this heart, my Bethlehem . . .Be still my sou l, dont fall asleep!

Closer, closer, now I see Him,Christ child, King and risen Lord!

Time removed, He lives unchanging,Draws me near with lov es strong cord.

In the throne room of my templeSits my Savior, with m e, His child.

On His lap, within His heart,Dimensions cease as His eyes smiled.

One with H im, I am no more. I am no less! Just different.Spirits soar, time is no more, death now knows defeat.

I sing, rejoice, I laugh and skip before Gods Holy Lam b.To earth once more, jots, tittles fly; in looking dow n I see His feetand they are mine!

Go tell it on the mountains!




38/44

The Bethlehem glowAll of time stood still

For just a timeless moment.Heavens radiance parted company,

Then time began again.

As Bethlehem was stilled,Shepherds could not speak.

Love warmed their very soulsAs Christ came forth from the great

Deep.

His radiance, spilling out,Filled all who would rejoice.His radiance spills out still

When His children heed His voice.

A father loves his child,A husband loves his wife,A servant gives his best

By offering His Life.

A child begins a search, lifelong,For the ancient narrow way,

To claim the blessing of his birthWhere love turns night to day.

Christmas Day to EasterAs a circle fully drawn,

Brings hope within this childAs I greet the coming dawn.

Some children see Him in creationOr in the faces of those they know.

But every child of promiseWill bear the Bethlehem glow.




39/44

My family

My family! My family is your family(Please take them, if you please).You know Im only kidding now,

So put your mind at ease.

I dont think its funnyThat you think such a gift so small!Things would look much different

If you had no one, at all!

I know that I was teasingBut what you said is just not right.

No one has noooooo one,Because of Christmas night.

What do you mean, not right?Christmas is a family scene

But still, many are alone . . .I dont know quite what you mean.

Jesus changed the familyWhen He came on Christmas night.

Mankind, each one, was darkness child,til the option cameadoptionLight!

Bethlehem was long ago,But He left His guiding light.

Even those who live in darkness,

He keeps close within His sight.

Though it may seem to someThat a mans family be but one,

Theres a choice each one will makeAdversity tests to which hell run.

My family! My family is your family(please take them, if you please).

You know Im really not kidding now,So join us, and enter into peace.




40/44

and there you are, my friendBy wise men who seek Him,Its true, He will be found.

Some journeys take a lifetime

To little Bethlehem town.

In spring I didnt know Your Name,

You were little more than a story.

Although Id heard about You,

Id not recognized Your Glory.

In summer You were there,

I had but to turn around.

It made no sense, be childlike,

And then You would be found

In autumn life had withered,

Understanding cost me all.

Yet it was Wisdom picked me up

And healed me from the fall.

The old gave way to new,

Winter came and went away.

Hibernation of the soul

Had seen its final day!

He never changed

Throughout the seasons,

He remained ever by my side.

Of worms, chrysalis and butterflies

Life came through what had died.

Up and down those streets I walked

In the Bethlehem of my heart,

Searching, seeking manger grace

That He promised from the start.

Nothing less than Immanuels face

Could grace this journeys end.

I found the throne room in my heart,

And there You are, my friend!




41/44

Autumns songSome children grow up old

While yet their days are young.Their Spring timesfilled with sorrow,

And their dreams are left unsung.

When Summer comes they faint,As hope withers from the drought.

Its the season of despair

Which turns them to the Lordcry out!Then Autumn comes in colorAs whats been is nevermore.

And carefully they plant those thingsThat they would see reborn.

And Autumn sings:

Children of the promise,

Prepare your hearts and sing.

Christmas time is near,New life to you Hell bring!

The Winter seems so harsh and coldYet hope now lives, will never die.Heavens light is shining brighter,The trumpet sounds its joyous cry.

The children come full circle,And peace abides where it belongs.They rest within the Potters handsAnd remember Autumns song.

Then they sing:

Children of the promise,Prepare your hearts and sing.

Christmas time is near,

New life to you Hell bring!




42/44

and I roseTime rolled away, like a bloodstained bandage,

As I clung to the folds of the Deep.Glory alighted the Ancient of Days

And I rose from the darkness of sleep.

Awaken, O dawn, and rejoice, O my soul,for my Father is calling me home.

In awe do I sing as the world fades awayAnd I walk with the King to His throne.

His footstool, the earth, like a sponge dried and gone,Is replaced by a vast sea of glass.

Deep calls out to deep and I answer His call:Yes, Father, Im home now, at last.

The bandage of time that recorded all things,Releases the babe from my heart.

United as one, with Gods holy Son,Love joins what nothing can part.

Bethlehems singing and lambs still are seekingHope that is true and can soar.

Enter the Deep through the gate, small and narrowEnter His rest; enter, be blessed; enter His peace evermore.

And the Spirit and the Bride say,Come.




43/44

thirty-nine plus oneThirty-nine was the number of stripes He was beaten;

The shard-studded strap would have liked to give more.Then the number for death and defeat

Would have silenced forever this Judah lions roar!

Or so was the thinking, forThirty-nine plus one was thought to mean death.

But things are never quite as they seem to beWhen the Master is tallying the score.

Thirty-nine was the number of poems given me,Thirty-nine, and then, just one more.

Thirty-nine plus one = death.Or so was my thinking!

The message of joy that Ive shared with you

Would fall short and be incomplete,Unless I, too, shared this story of ewe

And the resurrection power of His Seed.

Thirty-nine plus one = death, twas believed(unless that one is Gods Resurrection Seed).He was there even before I was formed,

And in my greatest darkness,I was known.




44/44

Before mind and heart agreeThe streets are quiet as darkness pretends to lay claim to w hat the eye canno t see. But

The blended shades of darkness attest that the light has n ot departed from the earth, Yet. Asmall unnoticed form tries feebly to contain itself with a shivering hug abo ut The knees, headbent in to partake, if possible, of the floundering warmth of soul light.

So alone amon gst so many, again! Too fam iliar is the chill of those who pass on by ,Seeing no treasure worthy the investment of their time or selves. That place in the heart wheresuch injury releases tears of the soul has long since ceased to respond rightly and is able toproduce but a ho llow and resounding echo of ache.Lies. Lies hurt.

There is an almost discernible trembling of motion, m ore a suggestion of cradled

rocking than actual. Were the thoughts unboun d and given vent, it would be heard,Oh, God!Oh, God, H uh, huhh hh. I know Y ou are in there, Jesus, I invited You in!While the hug istightened to embrace the heart and the ho pe of His light within, she firmly closes her eyes toshut out the fear, lest darkness somehow qu ench the fire that burns within, exposing painsreality.

The darkness seems to press in heavily with arrogance as though it could crush theInner light at will. The eyes, through a flit of mov ement, scan the oozing gush of forebodinglies now taking form under the cov ering of shame.

Oh, Jesus! No one can love me . . . no one . . . no one but You .I know that You Lo ve me. I know it.

You have to love me; love is what You are.You know me full well and still You love me. You know m e.

Every part of me You know.How can You know m e and love me so?

Oh, Jesus, thank You. Please dont give up o n me.

I am the beginning 1951 1969 1975 1980 1983 and the end

inexpressible joy continuous plain 12 14 10

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