The Old and New

The Old and New

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Old Year dwindles
As the sunset’s afterglow.
The New Year bursts forth
As the sunrise’s bright flow.

The Old Life vanishes
As a snuffed candle’s smoke.
The New Life in Christ appears
As a blazing candle uncloaked.

— Charles B. Mayes

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” [Holy Bible – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – ERV]

Happy New Year!

You can also find http://ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from http://HisPoems.com and from http://WordsOnTheWay.com.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on January 1, 2023 by farsails

Greeting 2023

Greeting 2023
Ephesians 6:12

This year was kinda bad.
We had a lot of problems.
We look ahead to this New Year
To see God continuing to solve them.

There was the plumbing deluge,
Then Mom became ill last Winter.
They laid Dad off at the factory,
And then the broken printer.

The truck needed a new battery.
It was done before its years.
The radiator leaked like a sieve,
And our rent was in arrears.

The electric bill soared so high,
And now it’s the water heater.
U.S. politics didn’t go our way,
And food too scarce for eaters.

We know it’s really not these things,
But how to them we react.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
It’s those spiritual forces who us attack.

It doesn’t depend on how we feel
Or even what we do.
It’s whole-souled trust in God above
That always gets us through.

— Charles B. Mayes

Image: geralt – pixabay.com

Was 2022 a good year for you? Is every year a good year when we follow Jesus Christ? Is there such a thing as a bad day or are all days good in Jesus Christ?

When we follow Jesus, how can we have a bad year or day? We may have a day with many challenges. We may have a hard day, but with Him we can see the blessings of each day. This is not an easy thing. It is a very hard thing sometimes, but it is a necessary thing as we thank Him and see what He does for us yearly and daily.

And when I don’t trust enough,
Whatever “enough” is,
I ask Him to supply that trust
And He always gives.

[From “Running to the Cross” – 2014 – Charles B. Mayes]

I want to thank those who followed my website in 2022, and some for several years! Also I’m happy for each of you who stop by time to time. May God richly bless all of you in 2023!

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Happy New Year!

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com -” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 30, 2022 by farsails

Holding Jesus

Holding Jesus

Luke 2:22-40

The day after Christmas,
Still relishing joy and cheer,
Thinking of Simeon and Anna,
Who both met baby Jesus, dear.

Devout Simeon asked to see
The Messiah’s face
Before he died, then was answered –
Holding God’s salvation and grace.

Joseph and Mary marveled
At what he said.
Simeon blessed them,
But warned Mary of what’s ahead.

Aged Prophet Anna, a widow for many years,
Daily at the Temple fasting and praying,
So pleased to see Jesus,
Thanksgiving and redemption saying.

We can also hold Jesus.
Have we been wanting to start,
In expectation and hope,
To hold Him in our hearts?

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: http://www.LumoProject.

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ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

CHOOSES TO LIVE IN THE BLESSING

“I loved your last poem, ‘Living in the Blessing: A Christmas Thanksgiving,‘ and I’m making a conscious choice to ‘live in the blessing’ of this Holy season.” Anonymous

VERY MOVING

“I just read Mistaken Identity. It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV.
_______________________________________

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

http://www.HisPoems.com / ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on December 26, 2022 by farsails

The Old and New

The Old and New

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Old Year dwindles
As the sunset’s afterglow.
The New Year bursts forth
As the sunrise’s bright flow.

The Old Life vanishes
As a snuffed candle’s smoke.
The New Life in Christ appears
As a blazing candle uncloaked.

— Charles B. Mayes

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” [Holy Bible – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV]

Happy New Year!

You can also find ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from HisPoems.com and from WordsOnTheWay.com.

_______________________________________

Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

_______________________________________

If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on January 1, 2022January 4, 2022 by farsails

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Luke 2:20

Christmas is finally over!
Now you can go back to normal –
To “regular scheduled programming.”
Away from this Yuletide formal.

No listening to Christmas songs
Ad nauseam that noisily swell,
At the grocery store,
Like “Come On Ring Those Bells.”

Your eyes won’t be hurt
As you try to drive at night
By those overdone gaudy
Christmas lights.

Don’t forget the political news
That captures the airwaves –
Left, Center, Right and Between,
All that socially saves.

On Facebook,
Comments about polite posts again,
Making snide mocking remarks,
No more good will toward men.

As you walk by today
No irritating high-pitched bell
Rung by the Red Kettle person
Raising Heaven.

Christmas is really over!
You don’t have to go back to normal.
You can continue praising God
Even after this Yuletide formal.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: RobinHiggins – pixabay.com

I hope that my satirical poem helps us remember to think about Christmas all year and to continue praising God!

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Holy Bible – Luke 2:20 – NIV)

Happy New Year!

_______________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly. It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site. But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

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As If Watching A Movie

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry. As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below. To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 29, 2021 by farsails

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

I Thessalonians 5:18

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

As we are some older
And the children moved away.
Should we travel there
Or could they come to stay?

Presents to buy.
Presents to wrap.
The tree to put up.
Need to take a nap.

Cookies in the pantry.
Turkey in the frig.
Pies in the freezer.
Ready for this gig.

Our kids arrive
And grandchildren, too.
Then the drudgery
Turns into debut.

The oldest one, Sara,
Is asked to read the Story
About when Jesus came
And left His glory.

Hands held.
It’s time for the blessing.
Thanking God.
We are not distressing!

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: dandelion_tea – pixabay.com

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Holy Bible – I Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 23, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

No Christmas Without You

No Christmas Without You

Luke 2:6-7

There would be no Christmas without You
In spite of this time of the year –
No sights or sounds of the season,
Without You it would be drear.

No tree in the living room.
No presents in place.
No music from the MP3.
Only dreams we would chase.

Over 2,000 years ago
A baby in a manger.
You were born in Bethlehem
For all a life changer.

From a throne You came
To a humble barn,
Loved by Joseph and Mary
Holding You safely in arms.

One day You’re rejected,
Killed for the sins of humankind,
Rising from the dead, glorious,
Opening the hearts of the blind.

There would be no Christmas without You.
In spite of this time of the year –
No sights or sounds of the season,
Without You it would be drear.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: kassoum_kone- pixabay.com

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Holy Bible – Luke 2:6-7 – NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 21, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

An Unopened Christmas Card

An Unopened Christmas Card

Proverbs 17:17

An unopened Christmas card
From his beloved peer,
Address fading and tear tinted,
Sat on his mantel for three years.

He touched it
From time to time
In a slow gentle pensive way,
Tempted to open at Christmastime.

His intense heartache:
His as-long-as-he-could-remember buddy
Became ill and passed before Christmas.
So this procrastination he could not amend.

But THIS Christmas morning,
He was excited, wholly.
Heart racing with trembling hands,
He opened it slowly.

“I’m ready to go to Heaven.
You are the best friend
A person could ever have.”
That’s what he’d penned.

Inside a small inserted prayer.
He read it again. He read it again.
His pal had spent his life that way.
The meaning sinking in:

“Lord,
Help me remember that nothing
Is going to happen to me today
That you and I together can’t handle.
— Old preacher’s greeting to a new day”

Placing the Christmas card on the mantel
He was overcome with gladness.
Thinking: “What a wonderful friend!”
Gone was his grief. Gone was his sadness!

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: Satheeshsankaran – pixabay.com

“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble” [Holy Bible-Proverbs 17:17-MSG]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 21, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

A Christmas Eve Poem

A Christmas Eve Poem

Luke 2:14

This is my Christmas Eve poem.
I hope that it will bless,
With a few verses,
About this holiday loved best!

The carolers joyously singing,
From house to house they go.
The children eagerly sledding
In the new white fallen snow.

The stores remaining opened.
The crowds quickly flooding in.
The pop-up corner tree lots –
The evergreens are trimmed.

The church’s doors staying opened,
With a glow of lights within.
The creche stands in the front
Showing those who worship Him.

The gathered circle holding hands,
Of friends both old and new.
A Christmas prayer they pray.
It is something very true.

That peace on earth will come,
As we trust in Jesus Christ,
Born on that Christmas day
And for us was sacrificed.

The stores completely closed.
The sleds all put away.
The carolers quiet, quite.
No more trees to display.

The congregation leaves,
Feeling refreshed, renewed,
Into the cold night air,
An upswing in their mood.

That is my Christmas Eve poem.
I hope that it has blessed,
With a few verses,
About this holiday loved best!

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: ErikTanghe – pixabay.com

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” [Holy Bible – Luke 2:14 – NIV]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on November 28, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

Joyfully, All We People Come

Joyfully, All We People Come

Psalm 122:1
Psalm 100:4-5

Joyfully, all we people come
To the House of the Lord.
Worshiping Him and praising Him,
Singing with one accord.

Thanking Him, all of us today
For coming to show His love.
Seeing what He’s done before,
Leaving from Heav’n above.

Fellowship so very sweet,
Greeting all – everyone.
Smiling and laughing faces
Becoming one in the Son.

Listening now to His Word,
Quiet as we can be.
Letting His Spirit guide us
In His grace, we are freed!

Partaking of unleavened bread
And shimmering fruit of the vine.
Remembering Him on Calvary
As we spiritually dine.

Stirring waters once again
As many go down inside.
Showing us through Baptism
He rose right after He died.

Giving to God – a cheerful time,
With deep joy in our hearts.
Out-giving God, how can it be,
Who showed us from the start?

Praying for one another,
Taking hands across the aisle.
Asking for Christian unity
And help with all our trials.

Joyfully, all we people go
From the House of the Lord.
Telling ones all about Him
So they will be restored.

Thanking Him, all of us today
For coming to show His love.
Seeing what He’s done before,
Leaving from Heav’n above.

— Charles B. Mayes

Worshiping God is a real privilege! “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’ ” [Holy Bible – Psalm 122:1]

Thank you for receiving my email or finding my site today. May God richly bless all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

_______________________________________

As If Watching A Movie

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry.
As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

Thank you!

Graphics:
Joyfully – Top and Bottom Graphic – allthingsclipart.com
Fellowship – adabara – pixabay.com
Listening to His Word – Waldryana – pixabay.com
Communion or the Lord’s Supper – Ikendyl – pixabay.com
Baptism – brenopenia – pixabay.com
Giving to God – Jeffjacobs 1990 – pixabay.com
Praying – JooJoo41 – pixabay.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on November 23, 2021November 28, 2021 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Category: Healing

The Old and New

Greeting 2023

Holding Jesus

The Old and New

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

No Christmas Without You

An Unopened Christmas Card

A Christmas Eve Poem

Joyfully, All We People Come