Christmas Is Finally Over

Christmas Is Finally Over!

Luke 2:20

Christmas is finally over!
Now you can go back to normal –
To “regularly 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!

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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.

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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.

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

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 26, 2022 by farsails

The Eve of Christmas Eve: A Reading in Three Acts

The Eve of
Christmas Eve:
A Reading in Three Acts

Since Christmas falls on Sunday
With Christmas Eve Service, too,
Might be tough on the folks –
That really won’t do.

Prologue –

There was something even better
Than Christmas Eve this year,
At the church down the road
With the pastors so dear.

It’s that big building.
That’s pretty old.
But a place where the Gospel
Is always lovingly told.

Since Christmas falls on Sunday
With Christmas Eve Service, too,
Might be tough on the folks –
That really won’t do.

Act 1 –

The morning of the Eve of Christmas Eve
Would set the stage just right,
For the awe inspiring program
Which would happen just tonight.

The children were all ready.
They’d memorized their parts.
They knew them so well.
They knew them all by heart.

kidz002

The technician adjusting slides
So sound would be OK,
And also make the lighting
Point exactly the right way.

Mrs. Jones was calling
Some persons she’d invited
To remind them to come
At 7:00 p.m., she’s excited.

This Pastor was praying
Upon his knees this morn’,
That tonight’s program
Would Jesus Christ adorn.

Now just before tonight,
Time for all to rest,
To make this Christmas Eve Eve
The very, very Best.

Act II –

The Eve of Christmas Eve
Was a very special night.
Each person attending
Showed exceptional delight.

First, it was carol time
To sing those old greats,
About the Birth of Jesus.
They could hardly wait.

Then the children filed in.
The place silent became.
A song about Jesus
The quiet night He came.

The Center was packed
With the children on stage.
Even the balcony full.
The congregation engaged.

This Pastor sat on a couch
By a framed stable scene,
Where he would narrate,
This holy night theme.

Mary and Joseph came out.
No room at the Inn.
No room for Jesus,
Where tonight’s story begins.

With deep feeling
This Brother did read
About the shepherds’ sight,
What they did see.

One child wearing a robe,
And staff in their hand,
Looked up – up – up high
Where the angels did stand.

Now time for a song
With piano so soft.
A solo is heard, clearly,
Even way up in the loft.

The children kneel and point
To the direction of West,
As this Minister told of the wise men
Who gifted their best.

And then the three boys,
Off, by stage left went.
Another way, than entering
From where they were sent.

Recitation – a poem.
When would she start?
But soon that powerful last line
“I can give Him my heart.”

This Preacher opened his Bible
And spoke with great zeal.
Birth – Life – Death – Resurrection.
Rebirth in Jesus, he appealed.

And then what happened
Was to everyone’s awe.
The front full – wise seekers,
Everyone saw.

To the world joy –
Melody to the ceiling ascends,
As one voice,
Everyone sang at the end.

Christmas Eve Eve –
What a very special night.
Children and audience –
All hearts Bright.

bell001s

Act III –

The Eve of Christmas Eve almost done,
The Lead Pastor came forward
To address the crowd
Before it was over.

This humble man of God,
Said that he cared
About this church
And why it was there.

He encouraged each
To follow their dream,
To use their talents for the Lord
As the children they’d seen.

Epilogue –

Following Christmas Eve Eve
All did linger longer,
Having sweet fellowship
With so much to Ponder.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphics: GospelGifs.com – copyrighted and used with permission.

Today’s reading (poem) is much longer than usual and is based on a real situation of Christmas being on Sunday and the church wanting to have a Christmas Eve Service, so they decided to have it on the Friday evening before Christmas. Thus, the Eve of Christmas Eve!

I want to thank those who follow my website regularly – some for several years! Also I’m happy to have those who drop by from time to time. May God richly bless all of you!

See More Readings at http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com or http://www.HisPoems.com.

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

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.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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 22, 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.

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Impressed

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

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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

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!

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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

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.

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” . . . 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

Catchya Later, God

Catchya Later, God

Hebrews 2:1

I’ll catchya later, God.
I got so much to do.
Helping with my family.
Things going on, new.

Gotta do the budget.
Gotta wash the clothes.
Put them in the dryer.
Trim the outside rose.

Take care of the mail.
File those important papers.
Drive the kids to school.
Make time for holiday capers.

Plan a birthday party.
Head for the bank.
Help my neighbor mow.
Feed fish in the tank.

I’ll catchya later, God.
Just carelessly
Slip sliding away
From daily victory.

— Charles B. Mayes

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 (Holy Bible – NIV)

If you would like to use this poem 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

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ALMOST BECOMING FRIENDS

“This poem [Reflecting] is wonderful!!! As I think back I can reflect on the Bible lessons some since childhood. The characters almost become friends to us, knowing about their lives. Thank you for bringing them to mind again.” Nancy R., Kansas, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

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

VERY MOVING

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

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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.

” . . . 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 November 8, 2021November 9, 2021 by farsails

On Tuesday I will elect . . .

This is my first time having a guest writer, but this is a timely and right on message!

On Tuesday I will elect…

On Tuesday I will elect…to get up before my kids do, fix a cup of coffee, and settle in for some quality time reading my Bible and praying.

On Tuesday I will elect… to cast my ballot with a calm centeredness, resting in the truth that God is my King.

On Tuesday I will elect…to look my family in the eye and, one by one, tell them why I love them.

On Tuesday I will elect…to pray for and shepherd this awesome flock God has placed before me.

On Tuesday I will elect…to refrain from negativity and cynical jokes. (This could be really tough.)

On Tuesday I will elect to…welcome the stranger, a small child, a hungry beggar. I will elect to look deep into their soul and remember that this day is not all about me, or what I want. I will look deep into their soul until I see the reflection of Jesus.

On Tuesday I will elect…to honor God with my speech.

On Tuesday I will elect…to love by being a good listener.

On Tuesday I will elect…to show respect towards people with differing opinions.

On Tuesday I will elect…to walk humbly, do justice, and love mercy.

On Tuesday I will elect…to not join the doomsdayers who wail and moan over election results. Instead, I will elect to read Psalm 46 reminding me “God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” and ‘my candidate’ does not ascend to office (verses 1-2). As our “nation is in an uproar” (verse 6), “The Lord Almighty is with [me]; the God of Jacob is [my] fortress” (verse 7).

This Tuesday, join me in electing to be the calmest and most uplifting of all people. On Tuesday, elect to bear the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

On Tuesday may each of us end our day with a satisfied sigh, resting in the mercy-filled arms of the Great God who elected to love us.

– Gary Taylor

[Image – allthingsclipart.com]

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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 3, 2020 by farsails

Morning Watch

Morning Watch

Psalm 23

Sitting on hilly green grass.
Such a peaceful time.
Air fresh and cool.
Quiet, except the birds’ chimes.

With Bible in hand,
Looking up Psalm 23,
Morning watching,
Just God and me.

Reading and pondering:
My Defender and Guide –
My Good Shepherd, God.
His rod and staff alongside.

Leaving this place and moment.
Precious and so compelling.
I go into my day.
Close to God dwelling.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: StockSnap – pixabay.com

Remembering those quiet times in the morning when I attended Bible Camp, we young campers went to different areas and read and meditated on God’s Word. It was such a wonderful way to start the day feeling so close to God.

I really appreciate my followers and others who have stopped by this site. May God richly bless you!

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

Thank you!

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 July 17, 2019July 7, 2020 by farsails

Ya Él se ha encargado de los asuntos (He’s Already Taken Care of It)

Ya Él se ha encargado de los asuntos

2 Crónicas 20:1-30

El problema puede ser difícil
Mientras surge en nuestro camino,
O quizá no sea tan ardua la senda
A medida que se esclarece el destino.

Oramos y pedimos ayuda al Señor
Y luego cantamos una canción,
Porque ya Él se encargó del asunto
Y la vida no será una tribulación.

Por las Escrituras animado,
Por Su Palabra reconfortado.
Ya Él del asunto se ha encargado,
Eso es lo que he escuchado.

Ya que Su Hijo en el Calvario
Por ti y por mí en el madero murió,
Él así se encargó del asunto
Y del pecado al fin nos libró.

Y entonces de la muerte
Se levantó el domingo aquel.
Ya Él se encargó del asunto
Y una nueva vida pasé a tener.

Así ando en el borde de la montaña,
Mirando a lo profundo, hacia lo más bajo,
Pero ya Él se ha encargado de los asuntos
Y mi confianza y seguridad son mi agasajo.

Translated by Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

Graphic – GospelGifs.com – copyrighted and used with permission.

If you would like to use this poem 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

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 July 10, 2019July 14, 2019 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Tag: P.T. Mammen

The Eve of Christmas Eve: A Reading in Three Acts

The Old and New

No Christmas Without You

An Unopened Christmas Card

A Christmas Eve Poem

Catchya Later, God

On Tuesday I will elect . . .

Morning Watch

Ya Él se ha encargado de los asuntos (He’s Already Taken Care of It)