My Christmas gift to all my fellow poets...

How to Join	Member's Area	Private Library	Search	Sanctuary		Login
Main Forums	Discussion	Tech Talk	Mature Content	Archives	A home without a wall, Our haven without ends, A circle we all call Our Family of Friends!

Skyfyre
Senior Member

since 1999-08-15

Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap

0 posted 1999-12-21 02:36 AM

...and to he who made Christmas worth celebrating in the first place. Blessings to you -- enjoy!

(PS: I usually don't draw attention to this when I do it, but this is also an acrostic -- the message is rather important, I think, so I'll make an exception this time!

--Kess)
__________________________________________________

SHEPHERD'S WATCH

Unwinking fields of stars look down from silent winter skies
Night’s velvet blanket wraps the earth in soft and peaceful sleep
The only eyes that see this midnight vision are the eyes
Of wakeful shepherds, tending flocks of cattle and of sheep.

Yon gentle hills beneath their feet, the shepherds nightly stand
On watch for thieves both man and beast who might his charges slay;
Uncomplicated men were they, these people of the land,
In heart and mind, they loved their God, and unto Him would pray.

So bright the stars, this fateful night – yet none so brightly shone
Beside the warm and holy glow of Heaven’s proudest gem:
One newborn star, the men beheld, in Eastern skies alone
Resplendent in its grace above the town of Bethlehem

No man had e’er beheld such sights; they watched with reverent eyes
To see what wonders this most holy omen might portend;
Heraldic voices drifted to their ears from brilliant skies,
In awe they watched as Angel hosts from Heaven did descend.

Suffused with song, the Heavens danced; the blackness of the night
Did part before the splendored noise of this unearthly choir
And all the land lay slumbering, despite this wondrous sight
Yet to the shepherds’ humble eyes, they set the sky afire.

Angelic voices split the air, and to the shepherds’ ears
Sang songs of peace and joyousness, a future bright and new --
And one of this ethereal host to shepherd’s watch came near
Vermillion shone his perfect lips; his eyes of purest blue.

“Indeed, my friends,” the angel said, “you have much cause for joy!
Of holy things unlike the world has ever seen, we sing;
Rejoice! In gladness put aside this cold and tired employ:
Come now with us to Bethlehem, to greet the newborn King!”

Hence, lowly shepherds left their posts to heed the song’s entreat
Resting but little, weary, worn, but strong in faith, they came;
In Bethlehem, they found their King, and worshipped at His feet
Sang songs of thanks in simple voice to praise His precious name.

These humble men were but the first to honor Jesus’ birth;
To them, their God was everything, and Jesus was His Son;
He came to cleanse the stain of sin from faithful men of Earth
Eternal liege, to shed His blood for sinners every one.

Let all who read my humble verse reflect on this account
Of love that’s unconditional, unwavering, and free --
Remember this on Christmas day, and take a moment out
Direct your gazes to the sky, and bend a grateful knee.

You cannot choose the way of your death, but the path you choose will determine its own end.

A Romantic Heart
Member Ascendant

since 1999-09-03

Posts 5496
Forever In Your Heart

1 posted 1999-12-21 03:00 AM

Thanks sky...

Jesus is the best gift! Merry Chritmas!!!!

Great poem and witness!

"Unto every life, A little love must fall!"

Poet deVine

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-26

Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley

2 posted 1999-12-21 07:36 AM

What a wonderful gift! This is truly a poem to save (and send as an e-card!). You did a fantastic job with the acrostic and the message is timeless. Thank you.

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

3 posted 1999-12-21 07:39 AM

PDV stole my response! LOL. But that's okay... I don't mind echoing her thoughts (I only wish she'd loan me some of her poetic talents! *G*)

This is beautiful... and so very well done! Thank you!!

Toerag
Member Ascendant

since 1999-07-29

Posts 5622
Ala bam a

4 posted 1999-12-21 07:40 AM

Very nicely done Sky....

Sven

Member Laureate

since 1999-11-23

Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA

5 posted 1999-12-21 08:11 AM

Beautiful my friend!!

Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us. . .

Have a wonderful holiday!!

That which gives light must endure burning
--Victor Frankl

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

6 posted 1999-12-21 10:57 AM

Thank you for such a wonderful, beautiful gift! And let's praise Him for His gift to us! Great message, Skyfyre! And the poem...perfection!

Denise

PhaerieChild
Senior Member

since 1999-08-30

Posts 1787
Aloha, Oregon

7 posted 1999-12-21 11:00 AM

Skye, This was very meaningful and beautifully written. The emotion and the talent are superb. Merry Christmas to you and yours. (((((hugs)))))))))

Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream.

Shawna R. Holder
Boise, Idaho

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

8 posted 1999-12-21 11:33 AM

What a nice Christmas present...thank you

Skyfyre
Senior Member

since 1999-08-15

Posts 1906
Sitting in Michael's Lap

9 posted 1999-12-21 01:14 PM

Thank you, my friends and friends-to-be, for your kind words and well wishes. May your holidays be as bright as the shepherds' first Christmas.

--Kess

Iloveit
Senior Member

since 1999-09-02

Posts 1121
NM

10 posted 1999-12-21 02:50 PM

really nice job, and really great present, thank *you*

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-11-08

Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

11 posted 1999-12-21 07:58 PM

I am in awe!
Beautifully written, perfect rhymn and then acrostics as well! Wow!
Liz

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

12 posted 1999-12-21 09:00 PM

Extremely well done, Kess. A work to be admired. Thank you and merry Christmas to you.

Pepper
Member Elite

since 1999-08-19

Posts 3079
Southern Florida

13 posted 1999-12-21 09:16 PM

So very beautiful Skyfyre.....
I wish you a Joyous Holiday!!

A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire!
Shannon

caroline
Senior Member

since 1999-08-16

Posts 1218
http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm

14 posted 1999-12-21 10:18 PM

Incredibly beautiful, Skyfyre...it is a masterpiece, for sure. What a lovely gift you share

Thank you....and Merry Christmas to you!

It's not the love you fear, but the fall from the height~Edwin McCain

Dolphins3
Member

since 1999-09-30

Posts 135
Wisconsin

15 posted 1999-12-21 10:24 PM

Thank you Sky. Merry Christmas

	⇧ top of page ⇧
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.