The Greatest Gift (duet with Michael)

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suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

0 posted 2011-12-21 06:26 PM

I saw a man holding a can outside a local store,
A few loose dimes were dropped sometimes; mostly he was ignored.
This humble guy watched folks rush by, clutching their shopping bags -
Schedules too tight to note the plight of a man dressed in rags.

In years ago I, too, would show the same self-absorption.
The holidays were a rat race with just too much to be done.
With gifts to buy, no thought did I spare for the real reason
Christmas should be, or why that we celebrate the season.

I won't pretend, I thought that sin could not apply to me -
I'm often kind and do not mind giving generously.
I do not cheat, or have conceit, or hurt or maim or kill -
I don't demean, but I have seen that I'm a sinner still.

How many days I looked away, ignoring human need.
Passing them by, not meeting eye – too stingy in my greed.
Brothers my own, through Christ, I’ve known to love, to help, to give...
And yet walked on, contingent on not seeing how they lived.

Until ‘twas me, humbled, indeed, and in need of a hand.
And there, alone, on pauper’s throne, found none to understand.
But then, in prayer, finding Him there, I saw my arrogance.
While He lifted me and gifted me with this second chance.

Hung on a cross to save the lost – Innocent, He was slain.
And died for me on Calvary in unspeakable pain.
So how could I just walk on by, and not look to my brother,
When His command to all still stands – to just love one another.

His sacrifice paid my sin's price, now I can't turn away
From one whose needs for simple deeds might somehow be the way
To tell them of God's endless love - that there's Someone who cares,
Who came to earth through virgin birth to make us heaven's heirs.

Heaven's great prize not recognized, oh Christ, He was the treasure;
Though they brought gifts, and sought to lift Him up by human measure.
As prophesized our Savior died, though He provided the Way -
The true giver who delivers us still, this Christmas Day.

Spirits may lift with pretty gifts, but what's under a tree
Cannot rival the revival Christ offers for free.
It's not just spare change we should share, but just a little caring.
People need hope to help them cope, when life alone's despairing.

To see their eyes, and realize the difference is yours to make,
And to exert past the effort the dropping of a coin case...
To go beyond reluctance donned, and this time answer His call,
Share with someone Word of the Son and the greatest gift of all.

My friends, rejoice that you have choice in how you spend this season,
For many don't - still others won't appreciate the reason.
Yet as you trim, remember Him and all He gives to us.
It's His birthday, this holiday - Please keep Christ in Christmas.

Written by Michael Anderson & Ruth Gill

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

1 posted 2011-12-21 06:54 PM

A beautiful Duet!
Talk about pulling heart strings, this does.
Beautiful in concept and in word.
Excellent write!!

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

2 posted 2011-12-22 12:40 PM

I am too moved to yell, "Bravo!" This is what Christmas is all about - thank you both for creating a duet that truly sings to me

Merry Christmas to you, Ruth and Michael. Know you are loved always ~

Alison

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

3 posted 2011-12-22 05:48 AM

A most intense, highly significant, touching poetic co-creation.

Thank you both!

Margherita

Nicole
Senior Member

since 1999-06-23

Posts 1835
Florida

4 posted 2011-12-22 06:07 AM

A lovely job, you two.

Dark Stranger
Member Patricius

since 2001-03-19

Posts 13631
West Coast

5 posted 2011-12-22 06:12 AM

muy kewlo you two..!! felix navitadpole!!!

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

6 posted 2011-12-22 02:14 PM

JL: Thank you so much, dear friend... I am so glad you like. *S* I hope you and those you love have a wonderful Christmas!

Alison: You dear... you may not be yelling but your words fill my heart. Thank you so much... and know you are loved in return. Merry Christmas! Hugs to you and your furry friends!

Margherita: Thank you, dear lady... I hope your Christmas is filled with love!

Nicole: Thank you so much!

Merry Christmas!

DS: Thank you, kind sir! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Michael: If I used every word in the dictionary, I wouldn't be able to convey my gratitude to you for both your friendship and this incredible opportunity. As you know, I felt both honored and terrified at the thought of writing with you. I read your work and serious rhyme envy sets in almost every time - To have the chance to work with the best poet I know was a thrill... but the fear of letting you down was immense. *S* And even more important than not being the weak link in our poetic chain was the need to honor our Lord. This poem was truly a blessing to be part of... from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Merry Christmas, dear friend!

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

7 posted 2011-12-22 06:18 PM

I wish to say thank you to all of you for the kind replies.  I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of new years.

Ruth, know that the honor was mine.  I’ve done many duets, but I think this is the first where I was at home in the composition.  You not only used a style I was comfortable with, but brought out such a powerful message that I was truly hoping I was up to the challenge… and of course, as you said, giving honor to the Lord and presenting the greatest gift of all to the readers taking precedent.  I apologize for letting it get down so close to the deadline, but we finished it, and I am proud to have had part in it with you.  I look forward to doing this again some time.  Wishing you the merriest of Christmases.

Michael

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

8 posted 2011-12-23 02:42 AM

Michael and Ruth, you inspire me and this poem really speaks to me. I came back and will be back again.

xoxoxo
A

jwesley
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-04-30

Posts 7563
Spring, Texas

9 posted 2011-12-23 04:42 PM

That was utterly wonderful, my friends ... one of the better 'duets' I've read.

And the timing was perfect.

j.

tracie66
Member Elite

since 2000-01-18

Posts 4713
Australia

10 posted 2011-12-23 05:27 PM

well done! I too am a sinner, this gives all much to think about at this time of year - thanks to you both for posting.

Love is the life of the soul...
It is the harmony of the universe
— W. E. Channing

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

11 posted 2011-12-25 07:32 PM

Alison, James, Tracie, I thank you all for the kind replies. Ruth is away but I am sure she will be pleased that you've responded once she gets back home. Merry Christmas all.

Michael

latearrival
Member Ascendant

since 2003-03-21

Posts 5499
Florida

12 posted 2011-12-25 08:04 PM

Ruth and Michael.I sincerely enjoyed this piece of both of you,from your hearts to ours.. Thank you. jo

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

13 posted 2011-12-27 09:16 AM

Alison: Your return visit touches my heart and makes me smile... you are a blessing to this site and me personally... Thank you so much!

jwesley: I'm so glad you liked... your opinion means a lot to me! *S* Thank you so much!!

tracie66: Thank you for reading and posting such a kind response!!

latearrival: Thank you, dear Jo... It was from the heart and I'm glad it reached yours!

Michael: I am indeed pleased. *S* And as for again? *S* Any time, any place, any subject... just be ready to deal with my whining as I try to keep up with your pen! LOL Thank you again, my friend... It was challenging, but also pure delight! *S*

luminosity
Senior Member

since 2005-11-18

Posts 813

14 posted 2011-12-28 01:46 PM

oh gosh....this should be sent to every single person on this earth.........excellent excellent job...wow

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

15 posted 2011-12-28 01:52 PM

AWESOME!

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

16 posted 2011-12-28 10:15 PM

My friends,

I have to apologize for not seeing this
wonderful duet sooner than today, but not
quite before the old year sings its swan song;
not quite before we cannot bring it to the top
once again...

Such a special duet!
How true your gifts, given freely...

My love to you in the coming year;
my hopes for you to see all clear,
my belief that all will become known soon,
and love will last from sun to moon
and back again.

Paul Wilson

Member Elite

since 2002-07-07

Posts 4711
United States

17 posted 2011-12-29 05:48 PM

Ruth & Michael...A very humbling poem you share with us. Sometimes it takes something like this to wake up a person, so they truely know the reason for the season. Enjoyed very much. Both of you should take a bow...Paul

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

18 posted 2012-01-15 11:56 PM

luminosity, Mysteria, Sunshine & Paul: Please forgive this delayed response... Each and every one of your comments are greatly appreciated! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Michael: Through the years, I've written many verses - some I now cringe at, others I'm proud of. But none of them are dearer to my heart than this one. The message means so much to me and the chance to collaborate with you and your unmatched talent is an experience I'll treasure always. (((HUGS)))

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