THE VIRGIN

Mary was filled with excitement that day
Joseph had pledged they would faithfully stay
Building a home he had vowed to prepare
Planning a marriage one day they would share.

Early one morning while sitting alone
An angel appeared from God's holy Throne 
Fear gripped her heart as she looked in his face
Gabriel announced: "You're a gift of His grace!"

The Virgin in wonder did not understand
How she could conceive without seed from a man
The Word made in flesh God in mystery provides
Emanuel, God with us, forever abides.  

Before he ascended he gave her The Name:
The Savior, Christ Jesus, the King who will reign
This miracle birth, Mary kept in her heart
Is the one Christmas Gift that will never depart.
B. Pent 

THE BABY

When Joseph took Mary, gossip spread round:
"Adulterous behavior degrades our small town!"
Explaining the wonder the prophet's foretold
"Was nothing but banter, deceitful and bold!"

But Two types of blood combined in her womb
So every lost sinner be rescued from doom
The embryo carried God's unblemished Seed
While Mary's blood carried the curse of sin's deed.

A Bethlehem stable was Jesus' first home
The animal crib was the seat of His throne
Amazement was felt as they looked on His face
His eyes full of love glowed with mercy and grace.

The shepherds who saw Him gave glory to God
The Wise Men, in worship, gave honor and laud
This Christmas, in honor of Jesus your King
Receive His Salvation, redemption from sin.
Ben Pent

THE INN KEEPER

The Keeper missed it all!

It was a busy time, you know
With weary travelers needing rest
The Inn was full, he did his best.

The knock seemed out of place!

“No vacancy” was clear to all
There was no room left anywhere
For Nazareth folk for him to share.

A noise was heard next door!
The lowing sheep and cattle stall
Was found to be the only place
For God's dear Son to find a space.

The Virgin soon gave birth

Upon a dirty stable floor
The Baby's cry was heard that night
While angels bathed the earth in light.

The Keeper missed it all!

The promised King had come to earth!
Had he but known, would he have shared
Some little space? Would he have cared?

Yet Christmas comes again

And yuletide music fills the air
Stop long enough to hear His voice
He knocks and waits! Make Him your choice.
B. Pent

THE EMPTY THRONE

The trumpet alerted the angels to come

To gather together before the White Throne
The Father announced a miraculous plan
That Jesus would take on the flesh of a man.

Amazement and wonder were seen in their eyes

A virgin would birth heaven's infinite Prize
The ones who were chosen to break the Good News
Appeared to some shepherds, the lowliest of Jews.

“All Glory to God!” was the theme of their song

Lasting peace, was the Gift awaited so long
Emanuel’s coming to Bethlehem's stall
Was God's only Son with salvation for all.

The shepherds and magi who worshiped this King

Saw Him as Messiah; their freedom He'd bring
The path from the stable was marked by a cross
They did not see then, how much it would cost!

While angels rejoiced at the birth of God's Son

Redemption for man through His death would be won
Each sinner partaking the Savior's new birth
Brings praise from the angels in heaven and earth.
B. Pent

THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY

A LITLE SEED WAY BACK IN TIME
BEFORE THE WORLD WAS FLUNG IN SPACE
BECAME THE SUBJECT OF GOD'S PLAN
FOR RESCUING THE HUMAN RACE.

OMNISCIENCE SAW THE FALL OF MAN

WITH ALL THE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
THERE WAS NO HOPE OF ANY KIND
BECAUSE OF DEATH THAT REIGNED WITHIN.

SO GOD DEVISED A METHOD RARE

AND HAD THE PROPHETS WRITE IT DOWN
A VIRGIN WOULD CONCEIVE A CHILD
IN BETHLEHEM'S SMALL JUDAH TOWN.

THE SEED IN MYSTERY WAS REVEALED

THE HOLY SPIRIT, THREE-IN-ONE
COMBINED IN FLESH THE LIVING WORD
AND PLACED IN MARY'S WOMB, A SON.

HOW STRANGE THE VIRGIN MUST HAVE FELT

ON HEARING GABRIEL SHARE THE NEWS
BUT JOSEPH'S DOUBTS WERE NOT AS CLEAR
SINCE IN HIS HEART WERE OTHER VIEWS.

WHEN GOD'S PREDESTINED MOMENT CAME

ETERNITY WAS PRESSED IN TIME
THE SEED BECAME AN EMBREO
AND HEAVEN'S STAR BEGAN TO SHINE.

WHAT MUSIC MUST HAVE FILLED THE SKY

AS ANGEL CHOIRS ANNOUNCED HIS BIRTH
SO WHEN THE SHEPHERDS SAW HIM THERE
PROCLAIMED HIS COMING TO THE EARTH.

THIS CHRISTMAS MYSTERY ONCE CONCEALED

IS OFFERED AS GOD'S GIFT TO ALL
SO EVERY PEOPLE-GROUP ON EARTH
CAN KNOW THE SAVIOR WHEN THEY CALL.
--B. Pent

BETHLEHEM'S CRY

It took nine months before that cry was heard!

The strangers could not find a room that night
Yet labor pains had forced them from the Inn
To find a stable bed to birth a King.

The Virgin Mary wiped His tears away

While Joseph cleaned the stable cave that day
The Baby's cry once heard on Christmas morn
Foreshadowed days His heart for man was torn.

One day beside the tomb of His dear friend

The Savior wept because of sin's dread curse
He later cried when Judah turned from grace
By spewing hate upon His thorn crowned face.

On Calvary's hill a painful cry was heard

“Oh, why have You forsaken Me, My God?”
Another cry soon echoed through the night
“Tetelestai! then Satan fled from sight.

One final cry will shake this world again

The Lord Himself from heav'n to earth descend
The Church in White will rise to meet the Groom
His promise to return is very soon!
B. Pen

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER

O God of Love, we stand amazed
That One so pure in radiant Light
Should stoop to offer saving grace
To our rebellious human race.

O Lamb of God how can it be
That flesh should clothe Your Deity
And birth from Mary's womb, a Plan
Your Blood, the Gift, for sinful man!

O Breath of God, Whose Spirit fills
The barrenness of our human heart
Remove all dross, ignite the flame
That we might glorify Your Name!

O Church of God, the hour's near
The Bridegroom soon will call us Home!
Proclaim His Word, we soon shall meet
To cast our crowns at Jesus' feet!
B. Pent

OUR AWESOME GOD

Awesome Father from Your glory
Unapproachable in light
Angels bow in adoration
In the splendor of that sight.

Awesome Jesus intercessor
At your feet our sins we lay
Wash us in Your cleansing Fountain
Free to worship and obey.

Awesome Spirit in your fullness
Fill these temples made of clay
So the worship that we offer
May bring praise to you today.

Refrain
Oh the wonder of your Presence
Clothed in holiness and light
Awesome God our risen Savior
We lift praise with all our might
B. Pent 

MY BOUQUET OF THANKS

I'm walking today through my garden of praise
Picking fresh flowers to brighten my days
Thinking of all that the Lord has bestowed
Counting each blessing to lighten my load.

Cutting the stem of a beautiful rose

Fragrance and beauty each petal disclose
Thorns of anxiety led me astray
Calvary's love gently blew it away.

Lilies of peace that are gathered in tears
Precious reminder God's freedom from fears
Christ's blood-bought family are part of His plan
Bright'ning His Table with gifts from His hand.

Think of your flowers this Thanksgiving Day
Gath'ring bouquets as a tribute of praise
Bring them as gifts to the Father above
Jesus the Source of all blessings and love.
B. Pent

WOUNDED

The wounds are deep that trouble me
Its pain seems more than I can bear
The broken pieces of my past
Are hard for me to want to share.

Why did the Light that marked my path
So quickly change to gripping fears?
Why did God's peace that gave me rest
Now fill my eyes with blinding tears?

It's hard to bear this cross alone
I need a Friend to share my pain
If Jesus is the truth, the way
Let me not call to You in vain!

"Jehovah-Healer meet my need
Restore your peace in every part
I claim by faith in Jesus' name
The Victor's crown within my heart!"
B. Pent

DISAPPOINTMENTS

There are times in life we carry
Disappointments and distress
And we try to find its meaning
During days of loneliness.

When a pledge for life together
Finds love’s dream walk out the door
Bitter anguish knows no measure
Like a death, life is no more

If your dearest friend has failed you
And its tearing you apart
Or you feel you’ve been forsaken
There’s one Friend that won’t depart.

You are not alone this journey
These sharp thorns that mark your path
Are like those He bore on Calvary
To prepare you for life’s task.

So when disappointments tempt you
To give way to bitterness
Look to Christ the Source of comfort
He’ll bring joy and happiness.
Ben Pent
   

THE GHOST OF LITTLE JOHN DOE

Sixty-five million sweet faces appear
Torn from a womb without feelings or fear
Simply a blob of some tissue to scrape
Clearing the mind of some awful mistake!

Time that heals wounds are like ghosts from the past
Memories that haunt us with pictures that last
Children at play with such joy and delight
Then Little John Doe appears in the night.

Graduates receiving diplomas one day
Little John Doe could be seen in the fray
A medical doctor! Inventor! On stage!
To influence a Nation: a saint or a sage!
 
Where does this curse of abortion begin?
Is there forgiveness from this mortal sin?
Even though ignorance has driven the plan
God’s loving grace is extended to man.

Millions of children surrounding God’s Throne
Their Angels rejoicing! They’re all safely Home!
Each Johnny Doe wants the family complete
Give Jesus your burden find peace at His feet!
Ben Pent

 

TEARS

What have I done that tears should come my way
That sorrow's piercing sword should crush my soul
With hidden fears that trouble me today
And leave me helpless, torn, too weak to pray?

Death struck and buried all my hopes and dreams
The light of day has turned to darkest night
And memory past no longer whispers peace
But only haunting echoes are released!

The grave that stole the joy within my heart
And left tomorrows hopes all torn apart
Cries out in loneliness and deep despair
To hear some promise of God's love and care.

The One Who sees each tear fall from our eyes
Was wounded for our sins and crucified
He conquered death to set the captive free
So take His hand and claim the victory!
B. Pent

IN MEMORIAM

THE TIME HAS COME TO BID FAREWELL
TO SAY ONCE MORE I MISS YOU SO
IT IS NOT EASY THROUGH THESE TEARS
TO SHAKE THE THOUGHTS OF BYGONE YEARS.

IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY
WE WALKED AND TALKED ALONG LIFE’S PATH
BUT LIKE A CLOUDY MIST THAT FORMS
SOON SPIRITS FLY ABOVE EARTH’S STORMS.

WHY DOES THIS STING OF DEATH CAUSE PAIN
WHILE BROKEN HEARTS SEEK JOY IN VAIN?
IT IS THE CURSE WHERE SIN TOOK PLACE
WHICH CALVARY’S BLOOD CAN NOW ERASE.

BUT TIME SO QUICKLY PASSED AWAY
I FAILED TO NOTE THE YEARS GONE BY
SO WHEN YOUR FLIGHT FROM EARTH TOOK PLACE
I LONGED TO SHARE ONE LAST EMBRACE.

NOW MEMRY’S ALL I HAVE TO HOLD
IT IS THE LIGHT THAT MARKS MY PATH
BUT WHEN WE MEET ON HEAVEN’S SHORE
TOGETHER WE WILL PART NO MORE.
B. PENT

THE SOLDIER'S PLEDGE

The Soldier stood before the Captain of the Guard

His comrades fought and died to keep our Nation free

The battlefield was marked by stains of blood from war

Now only memories follow those still left on shore.

 

Their graves are marked with epitaphs on marbled stone

And every year the tears still fall in silent groans

The Purple Heart was theirs, not ours to hold with pride

They are the heroes in the grave who fought and died!

 

The Captain of the Guard then spoke in accent clear:

"Where did you go when bugle called to face the foe?"

The soldier, trembling answered, that he ran away

He was afraid of fatal wounds or scars that day.

Just then there flashed across the Eastern sky, a Cross,
The scars of battle could be seen on hands and side
The Captain bore those wounds in love for you and me
So through His death enslaved mankind could be set free.

We are the soldiers that are called to fight the Foe
It is for each to use the Sword while here below
The question that disturbs and moves my heart by far
Is what we'll tell Him if we have no wound or scar!
B. Pent

LONELINESS

Loneliness met me this morning
Depression then knocked at the door
Pressures of life soon had bound me
Leaving me helpless once more.

Life has its fears and deep sorrow
No one escapes from its grip
Everyone carries some burden
Thinking they'll fall in a pit.

Your not alone in this battle
Scripture reminds us each day
Trials and troubles surround us
Only what's left is to pray.

So in the face of each trial
Give God the burden you bear
He knows each rut in the pathway
Cast on the Lord all your care.
B. Pent

HEART TO HEART

Kindred spirits know the process
Grafting takes to bind the heart
Once the glue of promise strengthens
Even death can't tear apart

Time and distance cast their shadow
Causing twists along life's way
But the memory joined in oneness
Isn't very far away

Treasured moments in the sunlight
Never lose that evening glow
So when darkness wants to hide them
Kindred hearts will always know

What a gift this friendship offers
Rainbow colors brighter shine
When at last we greet each other
Loneliness is left behind

Jesus is the name that binds us
In the cross of Christ we hide
Love eternal never ending
Joyfully one in Him abide
B. Pent

FEELING UNLOVED

I saw you walk away one day
It seemed so subtle at the start
But I could see that in your eyes
A phantom dream tugged at your heart!

While spring was young and innocent
We danced together in the rain
Time had so little meaning then
Did not that phantom call in vain?

But love built castles in the sand
No wave could wipe its memory clean
Except that through the setting sun
The phantom’s shadow could be seen.

The winter’s breeze began to blow
Its blazing embers once so bright
Refused the warmth of its embrace
And chose the phantom’s foolish flight.

But dreams are never true to life
And phantoms only follow dreams
So lets wake up to life’s new day
And drink from Love’s eternal springs.
B.Pent

FEELING BETRAYED

I’m torn apart, so full of pain
Its arrows shatter all my dreams
My heart is filled with bitter shame
I feel betrayed while given blame!
 
The anger that disturbs my rest
Has made all trust a distant friend
And like a ship that’s lost at sea
Its waves are crashing down on me.

Why did this jagged cross appear
Inflicting so much pain and tears?
Is this the price that I must pay
For following Jesus every day?

Tis then I hear the Shepherd’s voice
While clinging to His nail-scarred hands
"It is My cross you’re called to bear
It is My love you’re asked to share!"

So from the ashes of my grief
The Potter forms a vessel rare
And yielding to His will I trust
All will result in what is just.
B. Pent

HIDDEN GRIEF

Lonely the valley where sorrows reside
Emptiness lingers with darkness inside
Light that once shone from the heaven's above
Leave only phantoms once flowing with love.

Where is the joy that once brightened my day
Who is the thief that has painted life gray?
Silence and sadness have torn it apart          
No one can fathom the grief in my heart!

Distractions in time are so often a pain
Vacations and parties are transient and vain
The promise is given and vict'ry is won
When faith reaches up to the God three in One.

Jesus has borne all our grief and its loss
There is no burden His love cannot cross
Take up His yoke that is easy to bare
Resting in Him will remove all your care.
B. Pent

WHERE WATERS FLOW

Empty and tired my heart longs for rest
All that this world gives is promise at best
Is there a well for this soul thirsty heart...
Flowing with joy that will never depart?

Trying so hard for approval from men
Working and striving my pride to defend
Leaving me empty, depressed and alone
Seeking for freedom my soul to atone.

Jesus the Fountain, the Wellspring of life
Oh how my heart longs for freedom from strife
Springs welling up is the promise You make
Thirsty I drink let me always partake.

REFRAIN
Jesus, I come to this Fountain today
Quench the deep thirst in my spirit, I pray
May the sweet springs from your infinite love
Flow from within as I drink from above.
B. Pent

A LONGING FULFILLED

In a world of noise and clamor
From the voices that distract
Comes a quiet desperation
To find peace that really lasts!

War and violence, death and sorrow
Broken dreams and aching hearts
Little hope for our tomorrow
In a world all torn apart.

Feeling lonely midst this madness
Thinking stuff will gratify
Longing for a joy and gladness
That can truly satisfy?

Jesus offers Living Water
That will quench your thirst each day
Call in faith, receive His promise
Fully trust Him and obey.
B. Pent

WORSHIP MUSIC

When the fire of true devotion
With one voice our spirit's raise
Lifting high the name of Jesus...
Shouldn't that worship bring Him praise?

Words expressing true repentance
From a broken contrite heart
Can be lost in noisy clamor
If the Spirit's not a part!

Self-exalting worship music
Chanting promises of praise
Is but vain and noisy banter
If our heart is not engaged.

If the Sovereign God Most Holy
Who in flesh paid for our sin
Grants us entrance to His presence
Should we not then honor Him?

Music touches man's emotion
Words prepare the heart to praise
But if noise drowns out its meaning
How can voice in oneness raise?

Worship is the full experience
In each song and Word proclaimed
When our body, soul, and spirit
Are engaged our lives are changed!
Ben Pent

FREE AT LAST!

Once I stood in grave clothes 

Bound by sin and shame 

Then the voice of Jesus echoed 

“Loose those chains!” then freedom came! 

 

All at once its grip was broken 

Satan’s power no longer ruled 

Sin had lost its claim upon me 

On redemption’s Rock I stood. 

 

Heaven’s Light burst all around me 

Sin’s dark shadow hid its face 

All the past was now forgiven 

Through the fullness of His grace. 

 

Then the shouts of victory sounded 

Songs of praise were lifted high 

As the cross of Jesus conquered, 

Hallelujah’s filled the sky! 

---B. Pent