Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 107
December 20, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: December 20, 2013
It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at theworks of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O Lord!
December 19, 2013
One Page at a Time: While Bethlehem Sleeps
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
During the conception of this Christmas poem collection, I determined I needed a series poem to weave the threads of the other poems together. I also wanted to write a new poem. “While Bethlehem Sleeps” fits these requirements.
The series contains nine poems based on the biblical characters of the Christmas story. Each begins with “While Bethlehem Sleeps” and then introduces the reader to a different personae. My goal to respect the biblical narrative while retelling the story poetically required much research. As a result, God blessed me with greater understanding of His character and His salvation plan.
For instance, the poem highlighting the word Shekinah may be the shortest, but its depth of meaning is vast. Shekinah refers to the presence of God resting on the mercy seat–the Ark of the Covenant–in the Tabernacle’s Holy of Holies during the Israelites pilgrimage to the Promised Land. Only Moses could enter the Holy of Holies, and he required a veil to shield the people from the glow of his face. Then, picture the travel-weary couple and rag-tag shepherds gazing into Incarnate God’s face as they surround the innkeeper’s crude manger cradling Emmanuel. No wonder the angels sang!
One Page at a Time: Advent Acrostics
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
My mother has been true to my words over the years. But, I did place her in a quandary with the four-stanza “Christmas Wonder” poem. She managed to squeeze it into her landscape-oriented Christmas card and still maintain the poem’s line breaks. To prevent future angst, most of her poems–including the Advent Acrostics–are one-stanza wonders. Occasionally, I fail to refrain and provide her with a lengthier piece, which she uses as an insert.
The Advent Acrostics also provide one way I organized While Bethlehem Sleeps. Each separates the other poems into the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. I have added a fifth theme of faith. One of my desires is for individuals, couples, and families to use While Bethlehem Sleeps as Advent readings during their personal and family devotions. In fact, my father’s request that I produce a paperback version for his adult Sunday School class has allowed me to share my words as a teaching, ministry tool.
I am humbled and amazed by God’s use of these yearly Christmas card poems. May He continue to do so!
December 17, 2013
December 16, 2013
While Bethlehem Sleeps Poetry Reading and Book Signing
The poetry reading and book signing event was a great success! If you missed it, see my book links for ordering copies. Thank you for your support. Merry Christmas!
One Page at a Time: The Last Time We Were Children
The Last Time We Were Children, published in 2007 by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, contains five poems appearing in While Bethlehem Sleeps. The first collection focuses on various stages of life from childhood through coming of age to adulthood. I chose the five poems based on their Christmas and New Year’s themes.
“His Mother’s Joy” is a mirror-image paradox poem, meaning the stanzas have similar wording and line structure. The theme is centered around the juxtapose of Mary’s joy at the manger and through the cross.
“Snow” is an excerpt from a series poem with the same title. The series highlights several memorable moments of experiencing Minnesota winters. This excerpt is the summation and one of my favorites for its imagery.
“On Watching a Choir One Sunday” strikes a dissonant tone even for me. Included among others proclaiming joy, it may seem misplaced. Its emotional cadence rends my heart. This poem reminds me to get my eyes out of my music and sing Joy from memory.
“Warmed Memories” shares a childhood tradition on New Year’s Eve. In this age of digitized calendars and gas fireplaces, I suspect it will be one my children and grandchildren will appreciate for how it “dates” me. Because it is a tradition I am unable to continue, I find it all the more meaningful.
“Make Me Believe In Christmas” tells a cherished family story through the eyes of four generations. It is a personal favorite.
December 15, 2013
One Good Thing Every Day: December 15, 2013
Reading these passages reminds me of the cohesion of hope, joy, and peace. Flickering hope and tenuous peace require sustainable joy to outshine the darkness. Joy is often mistaken for happiness. Happiness is contingent on conditions as variable as the weather. Joy remains a spark among cinders, reigniting best under provocation. Rather than succumbing to the smothering soot of life, stoked Joy, rekindled with hope and peace, blazes amid the storm.
