Category: Advent

More Than a Baby

1/5/2025

.O behold upon the infant brow,
The King of Kings, so humble now.
No golden crown, no palace grand
Just lowly straw in a manger stand.
Yet in this child all glory dwells
Our hope for all, Emmanuel!

The face of God in human frame
His many gifts for our shame
He stoops to meet our broken hearts
And from this cradle grace imparts.
O holy child, we lift our praise
Your light will shine through all our days!

So as I ponder manger's glow
The wonder deep, the truth we know.
God's love came down, no price too steep
A Gift of life, so pure, so sweet.
Forever blessed on whom we gaze
Emmanuel, we stand amazed!

(c) Don Stott Eliab.com - Christmas Eve 2024

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Advent Chant

12/23/2024

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Divide people into 4 groups. Each group has a practice with their chant and then the leader conducts bringing each group in, gradually getting louder until leader raises hands and all groups shout together- "GOD WITH US! JESUS!"
Christmas Shout
Use the same approach as the Chant above in 3 or 4 groups
1. God's Son was born on Christmas Day.
2. Peace on Earth. Peace on earth. Peace on earth.
3. Baby born at Bethlehem. Baby born at Bethlehem.
4. Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Rejoice !
Together... It's Christmas !!!

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The Carpenter's Cradle

12/13/2023

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The background for this poem is Matthew 1:18-25 .
It was used as part of a sermon on this passage and was read with an improvised piano backing.
The Carpenter's Cradle
Timber now fashioned, and rough sanded down
With piles of fresh shavings strewn on the ground.
The carpenter ponders each joint and straight edge
Puts down his tools upon the work ledge.

Now things to consider, Jo turns to his chore.
With his dream, does it mean that God wants much more?
The angel commanded him,"Mary must stay".
It's now clear his fear shouldn't stand in their way.

With each hammer and join, things start to take shape
He's resolved to move forward, he can't hesitate.
Shifting his stool, he then starts to plane.
Sometimes it's hard to go 'gainst the grain.
Finally he sighs, 'It's all God's design!'
As his weathered hand feels what's smoothed, now fine.

By and by, baby Jesus, a gift to mankind
Will no longer rest in a meagre old manger
But will peacefully rock in this carpenter's cradle.
© Don Stott http://eliab.com

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My Advent Leaf

12/28/2022

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My Advent Leaf

Lowly leaf, still, beside the bush track
so scarred, deformed, and common place –
Yet your hollows and hues
draw me to kneel and look at you.
Now lifted, I notice a deeper design in this delicate gum.

As Advent begins, I’m reminded of Mary and Joseph
labouring along the Galilee trail to Bethlehem. –
Two humble souls, though sidelined and shamed
remain resolute, faithful, and grateful.
God’s plan may seem so flawed to some
but this devoted pair soon delight to hold the perfect “Promised One”!

As I cradle my fragile “Advent Leaf”
I’m reminded I need to stop; to welcome and worship
the “Creator King” who has come and who has seen
my sin -stained life and still loves me…
truly, completely, forever.

(c) Don Stott Dec 3 2022

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More Than a Baby

Advent Chant

The Carpenter's Cradle

My Advent Leaf

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More Than a Baby

Advent Chant

The Carpenter's Cradle

My Advent Leaf

Author

Archives

​Categories

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