Christmas Time Again

 

 

A little less heat

In the day and in the night,

And as though on cue, the appearing

Of Christmas lights.

 

The yellows and blues

From our Independence

With the reds, greens and orange

Oh, what resplendence!

 

Twinkling in radiance

Both day and night

And to both the young and old

Bringing much delight.

 

Some started counting

From January 2024,

And the time flew by so quickly

It wasn’t a bore.

 

 

Just a few months ago

Twenty-twenty-four began,

At least, that is how it presently feels,

Given how the time ran.

 

And now it’s Christmas,

It’s upon us again

With its chilly nights, hectic days

And unseasonal rain.

 

There is a hue and a cry

About times being rough

And the forecast for Christmas says

It most likely will be tough.

 

We’ve had a hard year

Trying to make ends meet

And there’s not much in the kitty

For Christmas treats.

 

But the call still goes out

Regarding the needy,

Look out for that familiar red kettle

And give generously.

 

 

Not that tea kettle

That’s sitting on your stove

But that of the Salvation Army

Today as you rove.

 

The poor is ever with us

The words of the Master,

Help someone this Christmas tide

With what you can muster.

 

Opportunity, I perceive,

Is what Jesus meant,

To give help as he abundantly did

When from heaven sent.

 

Christmas time again,

The season of goodwill,

A time of love and hope and grace

And seeking hearts, fill.

 

Of the many carols

And hymns of the nativity,

Of him who came down at Christmas

To save such as you and me.

 

We celebrate his coming

Into our world of sin

And we commemorate this event

That drew us back to him.

 

 

Such blessed assurance!

Such redeeming grace!

That gives us the hope of one day

Looking on his face.

 

A time of celebration!

It’s Christmas time again

When we give unlike all year round

And sing the joyous strains.

 

Hark, hear the angels sing,

O come all ye faithful,

To a little town in Bethlehem

Come all ye people!

 

A king for all:

Both the rich and poor!

The life the light the way the truth

And the eternal door.

 

Let this Christmas time

Speak to your heart

And don’t wait for January 1^st

To press restart.

 

Stewart Russell © December 4, 2024

 

Anthony: Just Simply Anthony

He came and joined us, even worked among us,

Apparently shy at first, not with any great fuss,

We noted his willingness, his preferred humility

And saw unmistakably Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Service at its best was his earnest quest

Even menial tasks were always given his best;

Befriending one and all even in difficulty

That is Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We marveled at his penchant for the culinary skill

Devoured his delightful dishes produced at will,

Wondered at his simplicity and amazing ability

We talkin’ ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

There is many an Anthony and I hear your claim

“But de fellow we talkin’ ‘bout, Hunte is his name;

With him there is no chance of mistaken identity

Cause this is ‘bout Anthony, just simply Anthony.

He could preach and pray and sing a little too

He is a good role model for our youth, that’s true,

But what stands out for me is his simplicity

Even in discussion it’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We watched this young man from the time he came

At Lodge Road he was serious; this was not a game,

Walking with young and old in the spirit of unity

His endeavour: ‘tis Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His voice is unmistakable and so is his gait

He is regular in attendance and seldom if ever late;

He is a man of dignity and exemplary integrity

All this is about Anthony, just simply Anthony.

His years at Lodge Road were several and blessed

Participating in many ministries and giving his best;

Displaying a workman spirit with immense vitality

This is our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We remember his humour, his wit and his smile

A comforting word to cheer many a weary mile,

Always uplifting, assuring in his dependability

We could rely on Anthony, just simply Anthony.

“I’ll tell yuh something” is his inimitable style,

To interject a remark after listening for a while;

He does it with such aplomb and intensity

You can’t ignore he’s Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Well nothing lasts forever, not in the here and now

Wish we could find a way to keep you here somehow

But your love doth beckon you to come immediately

Hasten to her; you’re Anthony, just simply Anthony.

We bid you ‘bon voyage’ but hope to see you again

You’ve been a good brother in sunshine and in rain,

Our prayers will accompany you in all our sincerity

For you are still our Anthony, just simply Anthony.

Stewart Russell © 2011