In battles fierce with vices, take your stand, A warrior within, against the shadows grand. Let peace with neighbors be your constant song, Harmony that echoes, enduring and strong. As the new year dawns, a chance to renew, A better version of yourself, tried and true. Forge ahead with wisdom, leave the past behind, A journey of growth, in every step you find. January 1, 2024 Mark waldrop Created from a quote from Benjamin Franklin, in his December, 1755 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac.
In pastures green, where ewes give birth, A tale unfolds of rejected worth. Bummer lambs, heads bowed so low, Rejected by mothers, left to woe. The shepherd, kind, with gentle hand, Lifts the lamb from the lonely land. Wraps it warm, holds it tight, Against the heart, in the silent night. Hand-feeding love to the broken soul, Making the wounded spirit whole. In the shepherd's care, it finds its way, Back to the flock, where others stray. Rejected, yet loved, the bummer lamb, Knows the shepherd's voice, like a sacred psalm. Jesus, the Shepherd, so good and true, Cares for us all, me and you. In moments broken, rejected, and low, He holds us close, lets His love flow. No lamb forgotten, no soul left behind, In His love and care, solace we find. Bummer lambs, we may be, But deeply loved for eternity. By the Shepherd, gentle and kind, In His embrace, true solace we find. December 30, 2023 Created by MarkWaldrop
Virginia O’Hanion (circa 1895)
In a world of doubt, a letter unfurls, Young Virginia seeks truth, her mind in twirls. "Is there a Santa?" she hesitantly hurls, A question that into history swirls. Church, with wisdom, pens a reply, "Your friends are mistaken," he does imply. In a skeptical age, where truths may die, He defends Santa with words that fly. "Santa exists, as love does too, Generosity, devotion, a perennial hue. In a dreary world, without the view Of Santa's spirit, joy would be askew." Unseen wonders, Church unveils, Beyond what sight and science entails. A curtain veils the world in trails, Yet faith and fancy set their sails. Tearing apart a rattle's noise, He delves into life's unseen joys. A realm where faith and love deploys, A truth that time never destroys. "No Santa Claus?" he declares with glee, "Thank God, he lives eternally." Through ages, he'll bring childhood glee, A timeless tale of festive gaiety. Created by MarkWaldrop Taken from an article in The Sun entitled “Is there a Santa Clause” Article published September 21, 1897
In the quiet of December's embrace, I sit, A silent night, wrapped in a wordless knit. Moonbeams dance with tree lights so bright, In the hush, a symphony of starlight. Children slumber, their dreams unfold, Yet my heart, in the silence, remains untold. A plush red blanket, a comforting shroud, I gaze through the window, in silence, endowed. The wintry woods stand in tranquil repose, As the night, like a river, silently flows. How to find hope on this long, silent eve? In the whispers of shadows, what stories weave? I take a breath, seek solace in the still, Yet my heart resists, an unquenchable thrill. In the quiet, a journey to hope's soft light, A dance with shadows on this silent night. December 19, 2023 Created by MarkWaldrop
The camel train to Bethlehem was quite small Three Kings Following a Star hearing God's Call The King of the ages was born that very day No room in the inn. In a straw manager, he lay God in human form sent to save the lost souls of men The animals bowed low showing their homage to him The camel train to Bethelem was blessed that day Following a light in their heart that will forever stay Old King Herrod was deceived, his heart too dark to see The Glorious Star of Bethelem that lasts through eternity The camel train to Bethelem made untold history that day Leading mankind to the Star that remains in our hearts today December 18, 2023 MarkWaldrop
A tale unfolds, a melody sweet, "Come," they beckon, a journey to greet. Gifts adorned with love, laid at His feet, In homage to the King, a joy complete. Yet a humble drummer, giftless it seems, No treasure to rival the wise men's dreams. With a beat, a rhythm, his offering beams, A heart's cadence echoes in silent streams. Pa rum pum pum pum, the ox and lamb sway, To the rhythm of love on that sacred day. A drum played with devotion, a child at play, He smiled, for in simple gifts, kings find their way. December 17, 2023 Created by MarkWaldrop
In humble steps, a manger His throne, Jesus came, God's love brightly shown. Not a demand for fealty, but a tender call, Affection revealed, embracing all. Grace wrapped in swaddling, a gift divine, A Savior's love in every design. Allegiance sought through compassionate gaze, In manger's embrace, eternal love stays. December 17, 2023 Created by MarkWaldrop
I can't imagine Christmas in Heaven The size of that Christmas tree The Ornaments sparkle, and the lights are the stars that we see Jesus is Santa to all the kids gathered around Magnificent presents under the tree abound Every Child receives the perfect gift beyond their dreams The gift of Mercy and Love is the most popular, it seems Angelic Christmas Carols being sung in the glistening snow I hear O’little Town of Bethelem. I see their faces glow No hustle and bustle at Christmas there Majestic Golden Bells ring clear in the air Christmas in Heaven lasts for an eternity Thank You, God, for the hope of certainty December 11, 2023 MarkWaldrop
As time marches on, everything comes to an end Things that seem eternal here soon transcend The legend of Santa Clause and the love He brings Moves into another realm where we hear children sing His suit of Scarlet Red is now a suit of Pure Gold For the Much Love he has given, he now holds The fat Jolly Man in his red suit will remain in the hearts of children Circling the earth, delivering Christmas Presents by the trillion When time shall be no more and earth is complete Santa and His Sleigh will fly through eternity delivering Presents of Love to The Little Children's feet November 14, 2023 MarkWaldrop
In the glow of Hanukkah lights so bright, A festival of joy, a sacred night. Judaism's ideals, steadfast and true, In each candle's flame, a story anew. Blessed be the Ruler of the Universe's decree, Commanding us to light, to set our spirits free. Rededication's tale, the Second Temple's grace, Igniting flames of faith in a sacred embrace. Each candle's flicker, a symbol so divine, Echoes of history in every shine. Blessed are we, in the light's warm embrace, A celebration of faith, a journey in grace. Created by MarkWaldrop