BEHOLD Christmas 2024 Poem

 

BEHOLD

A Reflection of 2024

 

Chosen, the word Behold this year

To mean a surprise of grace.

Which with many words I’ve written before,

Previously made my case.

 

John 1:16 “For in His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

The world, the culture—

So intentionally blots out;

Disregards the Hope,

Change, cancel, stir up doubt.

 

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.”

 

 In January I BEHOLD and visit the place,

The church where I first heard.

My baptism, my wedding,  now a memorial good-bye.

A Sanctuary echoing God’s Word.

 

Genesis 28:16 “Surely the Lord is in this place…”

 Bethany Baptist Church, West Covina, Calif.

 

Along came February,  a month full of hearts.

Two birthday girls forever cherished;

One Heavenly mother, her 4-year old gift.

This love will never perish. 

 

Ps. 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…

 

March brought showers

Both in babies and rain.

Baseball’s opening day,

We climb on board the Big Blue Train.

When your bestie's daughter has a baby...you're involved!  

 We love our Dodgers! 

Ps 85:11 “Truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven.” 

 

Behold-- It is spring

Seventieth birthday this May.

 Lord, what more time will You allow?

 …Another bittersweet Mother’s Day.

 

Job 12:12 “So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding.”

My birthday at the Dodger Game. Yes, we won!

 

In June, the plethora of the butterfly;

What a sight to BEHOLD!

Until we see glaciers—Creation’s Glory;

Signs and wonders of God unfold!

  What I thought looked like praying hands at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska.

Romans 1:20 “For God’s invisible attributes, that is His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made.”

 

July a celebration in patriotism

But we wonder at this country’s mess.

A nation divided awaits an election;

Choose God over all this distress.

Psalm 103:19 “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens and His sovereignty rules over all.”

 

Behold, the summer solstice;

So much oppressive heat.

But a reunion of ol’ classmates

Brings a thankful meet and greet.

 

Hebrews 10:25  “…not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”

 

 September behold, the birthday of Tim.

Would be 44 years now, 17 we’ve missed.

End of month travel to Colorado and more;

In So Dakota’s Black Hills-- where we’d blow him a kiss.  

Rev 21:4 “...and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no longer any death.”

 

Behold, Wyoming’s vast skies

Out on the drive through plains.

A butterfly cloud forms and floats up above

A reminder of Grace and its gains.

Nahum 1:3d “…And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”

 

Fall is filled with many a heart concern

Behold! I know God numbers our days.

I learn of the passing of a friend, so dear

A hero, a warrior; John, fly with Heaven’s rays.

Lt. Col John Labuda 

"Stay strong in God's network Coke," John's favorite thing to leave me with. 

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”

 

Linda, my dear partner and mentor

Sought rest, went peacefully home.

In strength beyond, she fought the good fight;

Be still, so missed, loved and known.

 

Psalm 46:10a “Cease striving and know that I am God…”

Behold come November,

The Dodgers crowned victors of the Series.

The election results tallied

Grand Slams answered queries.

Romans 8:37 “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”  

 

Study of the Word, a Daniel lesson,

And God shows up within the fires.

He honors the faithful, shuts the mouth of beasts.

No compromise! Pray! God’s Word I desire.

 

Daniel 2:22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”

 

Behold, December, an Advent expectation.

The lights still sparkle, the Nativity all set,

The presents purchased, Christmas music in tune,

Hope, Joy, Peace and Love in return for our debt.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

 

Born of the Virgin, Emmanuel;

It’s Christmas-- much more than a season.

But a promise, a Holy relationship divine

He’s Truth and Purpose, Wisdom’s Reason.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

 

Behold, I tell of His wondrous Grace

Of meeting my needs and more.

My hope, I pray for you-- to believe,

His Purpose, His plan… Come and Adore.

 

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”  

Blessings

Coleene VanTilburg

Christmas Poem 2024 

 

 

Window Seat

As I boarded the plane, I was told my seat was a certain row and "B", the middle seat. I, of course, was hoping for a window seat, so I could have a view. Straining my neck, I could only see a little of the fading landscape, the Earth in which we live becoming that three-dimensional topography map at the county fair. I wanted more of that view, to see where I was headed and what lies beneath me, anticipate my destination.

Ephesians 1: 3-6 With a view...things in the heavens and things upon the Earth...

God has blessed me by giving me a "window seat''. He has given me a "view" of my place in heaven as I receive His blessings on Earth. He allows me through His grace to establish my foundation in Him, my rich topography, filled with valleys and peaks, to have hope of my final destination. His itinerary is His will for my life.

Ephesians 1: 7-12 With a view of the fullness of the times...

As I stay on course, stick to my flight plan, I am assured of a safe landing. I am redeemed

and lavished upon, first class all the way. Not only do I enjoy a window seat, but my view through the porthole, which is Christ, allows me a glimpse of the Heavens as well as knowing the

landscape. The recognition of the hills, valleys and refreshing streams upon the surface is God's revealing wisdom and insight from above. I was among the first to board, a priority passenger as they say, placing my hope in the Captain, and I give Him my praise for He will navigate my life into His glory.

Ephesians 1: 13-15 With a view to the redemption...

I am buckled in after listening to instructions, reading his Word. Now confident in my safety plan, the Holy Spirit of promise holds on to me, keeping me secure in my position in Christ. With unsurpassing greatness, the jet engines of God's power rev up inside me as I give thanks for the working of His "strength of His might." As the plane flies above the clouds, I think of heavenly places and those who have left on an earlier flight. They are now seated at His feet. Someday, that too will be my home, my final destination. For now, my prayer is to continue my travels, sightseeing through the eyes of the Spirit with Christ as my tour guide. I know when the turbulence comes, I am assured of calm air on the other side because I have put my trust in my Pilot, my Heavenly Father. Amen.