Since He Came

Since He came, a fallen world
Can be reconciled through Him.
The lives that sin defiles
Can be made new again.

Since He came, the chains that bind us
Can be loosed and lives are freed.
The bondages of Satan fall
With every “I believe!”

Since He came, new hope was born,
With great promises to claim!
The gift of man’s salvation
Was born in Bethlehem.

Since He came, He bids you: “Come”
To Him who yearns for you.
Who extends His open hands
And invites you to be “new.”

Since He came, to seek and save
You have paradise to gain.
By giving Him your heart,
You’ll find LIFE, in Jesus’ name.

By Tom Valles

2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Christmas in Iraq - a Poem for Our Soldiers

'Twas the night before Christmas in an Iraqi town;
And our brave U.S. forces had all just hunkered down.
Not a Humvee was moving, not a Jeep stirred the sand
As troops dreamed of their homes, each and every man.

Some longed for their sweethearts, other men missed their moms,
Others missed sons and daughters not seen for so long.
Sugarplums would be nice, but much nicer to be
At home with their loved ones 'neath their own Christmas tree.

When what to their wondering ears should be heard,
But the faint sounds of carols, music and joyful words.
At first heard so faintly, then the sound grew and grew --
The sound of your loved ones singing carols for you.

For you are not forgotten, you are not alone;
You are missed by the people you keep safe at home,
And we remember you as the Christmas bells ring,
As you're watched by the Christ Child whose carols we sing.

For no matter how far from your home you may be,
There once was a Babe born for you and for me.
So hark to the carols as their music draws nigh,
And look to the stars in the Iraqi sky.

Remember the star which on Bethlehem shone,
The star that still guides those who yearn to be Home.
So as Christmas Day dawns over here, over there --
Merry Christmas to you, with our love, thanks, and prayers.

By Kathryn E. Darden

See As Shepherds

First an angel, then a throng;
Glorifying God in song,
Beckoned shepherds: “Come along,
To Bethlehem you now belong!”

Once we reached the manger straw,
God’s appointed Lamb we saw.
Speechless, still and full of awe;
Staring at the face of God.

Now upon our knees we see:
The infant Child’s Divinity.
God through stabled majesty,
Gazing back at me.

A Holy realm before us lies!
Yahweh's love in human eyes.
We fell and worshipped, terrified
Till angels sang and Mary cried.

Shepherds: “Rise, and know your Lord.”
The One through whom mankind’s restored.
We wept, we prayed in one accord
With every breath, we more adored.

“See as shepherds” God implores,
Look intently, see there’s more!
Look until His gaze meets yours,
Stay fixed on Him, forevermore.

By Tom Valles

Luke 2:17,18 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Winter Is Just Ahead

The days are glorious this time of year
As yellows, oranges, and reds appear.
I love the brilliant colors all around,
But soon the leaves will fall upon the ground.

This time of year is beautiful, yet sad,
As I recall the many joys I've had.
The beauty of Spring and Summer is past,
Seems that Winter is just ahead at last.

When I think about the seasons of my life,
Knowing Winter’s ahead cuts like a knife.
That knowledge causes me to softly moan,
“How can the seasons have so quickly gone?”

Yes, I know it must be late Fall for me,
And no more Spring and Summer will I see.
All the child rearing is over and done,
As is my childhood, which was filled with fun.

But I choose to savor these fleeting days of Fall;
They have the potential to be the best of all.
Although the "Winter" of my life is just ahead,
Even in that season by God’s hand I'll be led.

Johnnie Ann Gaskill
November 7, 1999

Christian Poets Pen According to Typealyzer

According to a web tool called Typealyzer which is of the personality tests and theories genre, this blog belongs to a group called, The Doers


Typealyzer Quote:
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

Note: writing style on a blog may have little or nothing to do with a person´s self-percieved personality.

What do you think? Does this describe us?

Thanksgiving

Once again our glad thanksgivings
Rise before our Father's throne,
As we try to count the blessings
Of the year so swiftly flown;
As we trace the wondrous workings
Of His wisdom, power, and love
And unite our "Holy! Holy!"
With the seraphim above.

As we gather round our firesides
On this new Thanksgiving Day
Time would fail to count the blessings
That have followed all our way.
Grace sufficient, help and healing,
Prayers oft answered at our call;
And the best of all our blessings,
Christ Himself, our All in All.

He has blessed our favored country
With a free and bounteous hand;
Peace and plenty in our borders,
Liberty through all our land.
And although our sins and follies
Oft provoke Him to His face,
Mercy still restrains His judgements,
And prolongs our day of grace.

While we love to count the blessings,
Grateful for the year that's gone,
Faith would sweep a wider vision,
Hope would gaze yet farther on.
For the signals all around us
Seem with one accord to say,
"Christ is coming soon to bring us
Earth's last, best, Thanksgiving Day!"

by A.B. Simpson
1843-1919

Luke 21: 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near

Article About Christian Poet's Pen!

There is an article about Christian Poet's Pen up at Christian Poet's Pen: New Blog/Zine for Christian Poets
. Check it out!

For any new folks who want to join us, first post a couple of your poems here as comments and let us know you are interested in being a regular contributer. Then set up a profile here on blogger for yourself with your contact information so we can reach you. We will check out your poems and let you know!

Thanksgiving Acrostic

'T is the season -
H olidays are upon us
A s we gather together
N ow with our loved ones
K eeping family traditions
S avoring, turkey, dressing, ham...
G ive thanks to the One
I n whose name we gather
V ine from which all blessings grow
I t is good to be thankful
N ever forgetting
G od is great, God is good...

Previously published at
"Thanksgiving Acrostic"

November Nostalgia

The last golden leaves
Fell from the trees
And blew in the breeze
The colors so bright,
Multi-hued delight.
Autumn took a wrong turn;
Colors we rarely see
In Tennessee -
How the hillsides burn!
New England's bright edge
Seen in each tree and hedge,
And bronze pumpkin sedge.
Still the colors remain -
A luminous stain
Until the next rain.
As each autumn returns
I know I will yearn
For sights such as these:
Crimson, scarlet reds,
Seen in each tree and hedge,
How it pierces my heart -
God's glorious art!
'Til the last golden leaves
Fall from the trees,
And their beauty departs.

My poem "November Nostalgia" was just published! To read the full poem, go to "November Nostalgia"

A Psalm Of Songs

The night star, the one night star
It shines in the vast distance
Between hearts asleep and our insistence
On pining for hope, on pining for grace
In these our psalms of war and wilderness.

You are the snowfall falling
In my imagination on a summer's eve.
Cool me, refresh me, let me see
The playful mystery
Of your song of songs.

You are the snow falling
The quiet firework of icicles
Showering down, a star's light shimmering through
As I watch in hope, pining for grace,
Feeling each spark and canticle leave Love's trace.

from my new book "Art Before Artist"

Value Life

From age to age,
Cradle to grave
Value life.

From year to year
Tear to tear
Cling to life.

From moment to moment
Breath by breath
Cherish life.

From second to second
Beckon by beckon
Pray for life.

From beat to beat
Mean to sweet
Value life.

By Tom Valles

James 4: 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Thanksgiving Acrostic

I have a Thanksgiving poem written in the acrostic form published at:

"Thanksgiving Acrostic"

I hope you will take a moment to read it and let me know what you think! I will print it here on Christian Poets Pen closer to Thanksgiving.

Since it is November, I would love to see more fall poems and Thanksgiving poems published here. Get busy writing!

November, 1999

Rosy mornings begin early on!
Yet even at eleven shadows grow,
Lengthening near noon, drawn by
The sun's shortened arc.
Then, in exchange for day, early evening
Slips gentle arms around trees, homes,
And humanity. Stars step out to spangle
An inky sky while I, clasping summer's last rose,
Heedless of its thorns, acknowledge how awesome
This eleventh month! How near we are to
Millennium--
Wondering which one it will be.

Jane Hutto

Come, Follow Me

One day as Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee,
He called to Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow Me!”
He also called two other brothers (sons of Zebedee),
And they, too, left all behind at the Sea of Galilee.

Immediately, they followed Him just as He had said,
Knowing not what they would eat or where they’d lay their head.
They left behind the life they’d known in order to follow Him instead,
With no idea how they would fare on the road ahead.

For three years they followed their Lord and Master day by day,
And He taught them many things as they walked along the way.
May I, like they, learn to instantly and fully obey
Everything He lovingly commands me to do and say.

If I follow the Master wherever He leadeth me,
I, too, will come to know the blessing of intimacy.
Jesus gives it to all who leave their nets beside the sea
And happily say, “Yes!” when He bids them, “Come, follow Me.”

(c) September 3, 2002 by Johnnie Ann Burgess Gaskill. For permission to use, please contact her.

Based on Matthew 4:18-22, NLT

The Badge

I have had this poem up on my personal blog, "Kathryn's Perspective," to promote Mayberry Days and A Tribute to Mayberry. Since it definitely has Christian perspective, I thought I would share it here:

The Badge

He chose the badge
above the gun
And to the badge held true.
He put the badge
above himself,
A life of service knew.
The badge came to
define the man;
But whether on or off,
The man embodied
all its worth -
The badge just pinned to cloth.

He held the town
above his needs,
His son above the rest.
He followed what
the "Good Book" taught
And sought to do his best.
He did his job,
not by the book,
But what was in his heart.
Fair justice dealt
with mercy’s hand
Earned him the town’s regard.

Heart-to-Heart Photos and Expressions

I have just visited the blog of Johnnie Gaskill, Heart-to-Heart Photos & Expressions. I think any readers of Christian poetry will enjoy her thoughtful devotionals and lovely photographs as much as I did!

The Life of Moses, Part 1

Baby Moses in a basket
Floating on the Nile -
Rescued by a lovely princess
To become her child.

There's his sister
standing nearby
Watching for her brother,
Then she'll run to get
a nursemaid
Who will be his mother.

Later on we find
young Moses
Living in a palace,
But soon he has to
flee because
His heart was filled
with malice.

The desert is a lonely place
Where Moses goes to live.
It's there he meets
Jehovah God
Who has a plan to give.

"I want you, Moses,"
the Lord says,
"To set My people free.
Return to Egypt now,
at once,
And bring them here
to Me."

Jane Hutto

Christ in it All

In all of life’s emotion,
In every trial or pain;
Turn to Christ again
In still devotion.

In all of life’s successes
And in the failures too,
There is a place for you
To sense His soft caresses.

In all of life’s confusion
With every tough decision,
His love dispels derision
And brings a “hope” transfusion.

In all of life’s declines,
In every fall that comes
There is a blessed One
Who carries us at times.

In all of life’s surrenders,
In every place you’ve failed
A Son for you prevails
And victory He renders.

John 3:35 “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.”

By Tom Valles

Share a Poem!

Have you written a poem that will fit on Christian Poets Pen? Use the comments section below this post to share a poem or two. If you want to become a regular contributer, submitting a few poems in the comments area is a good way to be invited!

Halloween Acrostic

I have a Halloween poem up that is a different look at the ghosts which haunt us. It was my challenge to avoid the usual references to witches, vampires and other demonic elements, but keep it somewhat dark. It is from a Christian perspective, which is why I eschewed witches and demons, but it may be a little dark to repost here, so I'll just share the link.

If you would like to read it, check out my Halloween Acrostic.

Sister Seasons

Golden glints of sunlight,
Mist through scarlet trees,
Color marshalled flowers, and
Harvest-readied fields
Whisper, "Good-bye, Summer,
Your time has come and passed.
Folks reach for wooly sweaters;
They cover swimming pools-
Long parades of children
March off to scholar's school.
Birds begin to pattern,
Winging, wheeling by-
Darkened dots of passage,
Sailors of the sky.
So Summer slips out softly
As if through a door,
And Fall begins her gold-spun reign
Of shortened days and fields' rich gain.

Jane Hutto

The Leaves of October

Oh, I want to dance with the leaves of October
That merrily twirl in the air,
To blend with the yellow, the reds, and the golds of them.
To dance in the wind without care.
And I want to run in the warm Autumn sun,
Skip under the azure blue sky,
To drift with the breeze among billowing leaves,
Rejoicing that I am alive.

So let me forget the cold chill of November
While October still is with me.
Too soon come the rains and the long, dreary winter nights,
Too quickly laid barren the trees.
So, I want to dance with the leaves of October
Before summer's warmth must depart.
Lord, let me lay hold of their red, brown, green, gold
And treasure their dance in my heart.

© 2008 by Kathryn E. Darden

Just Use Me

Father, I thank You for the gift You’ve given me
And for some of the results You’ve let me see.
I know that You use me Your blessings to bestow,
Though You have worked through me in ways I cannot know.
So, I’ll work on, always doing the best I can,
Guided moment by moment by Your divine hand,
And I’ll pray that a blessing I’ll always be,
In whatever way You choose to use me.

© July 29, 2002 by Johnnie Ann Burgess Gaskill. For permission to use, please contact her.

Welcome to Christian Poets Pen!

Welcome to Christian Poets Pen, the zine for poets who write Christian poetry or poetry from a Christian perspective. Christian Poets Pen began as a bi-monthly newsletter in the early 1990s, continues as a page on Christian Activities, and now at last is becoming a zine on the web!

Poets are invited to share poetry, tips, and poetry news using the comments feature. If you post several poems and tips, you may be invited to become a featured writer.

Just respond to a poem or tip that your poem or tip would relate to and share your work with us! Or simply enjoy reading what our poets have to say.