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

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!
Ben Pent
 

THE INNKEEPER

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 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 BABY

 When Joseph took Mary, the news spread around:
"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 did 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 to Jesus the King
Receive His Salvation, redemption from sin.
B. Pent                    

THE CARPENTER

Disappointment and tears could be seen in his face
As he wrestled alone in despair and disgrace
The news Mary shared was too hard to believe
The child, she said, was divinely conceived.                                                     
The Torah made clear the demand she could face    
With a verdict of guilt her demise would take place
But love for his bride turned from justice to grace 
So a quiet divorce was the choice put in place.

His burden weighed heavy far into the night
When suddenly an angel appeared within sight
"Fear not to take Mary, the Child she holds
Is placed there by God as the prophet's foretold."

So Joseph took Mary and made her his wife
Who later birthed Jesus God's free Gift of Life
His death on the cross made atonement for sin        
And all who receive Him find Peace deep within.
B. Pent

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

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 the 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. 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

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 the 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. Pent

THE GIFT

A thousand gifts may come your way

To bring you joy this Christmas day

With brilliant lights around the tree

For every boy and girl to see.

Yet if you miss the One who came

There is no joy that will remain.

Sweet carols fill the ethereal sky

Like angel choirs once sang on high

Of peace on earth to every man

While Christmas memories fill the land.

But fear can tear the life apart

If Christ no longer rules the heart.

As busy shoppers seek to find

The perfect gift with love in mind

A voice breaks through life’s empty space

“Give Christ a chance to fill its place!”

For if you fail to crown Him King

There is no lasting peace within.

God’s greatest Gift came down to earth

So we can have redemption’s birth

He is enough, so please take heed

Receive His Son, that’s all you need.

Then you will find fulfilled in Him

Life’s deepest joy without, within

--B. Pent

THE STAR APPEARED

The star appeared! The eastern sky

Burst from its lair as if to shout:

“A Light has dawned! The Day is come!

Prepare the way to birth a Son!”

Before the ages came to be

Eternal plans were set in place

The prophets had foretold His Birth

God's special Gift to men on earth.

The Virgin Mary then was told

That Deity would fill her womb

The Word in flesh became a Son

Emanuel, the promised One!

The shepherds heard the angels sing

That Jesus was that new born King

Then wise men later saw the star

And came to worship from afar.

“Behold the Lamb of God!” claimed John

Whose blood took on the sinner's curse

Is now the offer of His grace

To every child of Adam's race.

The Star of David is that Light

Who is the Source of truth and life

“Come unto Me” He calls today

He'll walk beside you all the way.

B. Pent

MYSTERY MOMENTS

Mystery moments are the gemstones

That are found by searching hearts

Digging deep within the mine shafts

Of God's Word in all its parts.

Genesis through Revelation

Holds the key each wonder shares

From the mystery of creation

To God's call from earthly cares.

Eden's mystery tells the story

Of the chasm caused by sin

And the promise of a Savior

That would offer peace within.

Priest and prophets shared their vision

Of Messiah's virgin birth

Of His death and resurrection

His return again to earth.

Yet the story most intriguing

Is the mystery of the Church

His indwelling holy Presence

With its waiting Bride on earth.

Heaven's Bridegroom is the Savior

Who laid down His life for you

You can have a mystery moment

If you trust the Savior too.

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 NAME THAT IS ABOVE EVERY NAME!

"Jesus came from the bosom of the Father to the bosom of a woman. He put on humanity that we might put on divinity.  He became son of man that we might become sons of God.  He was born contrary to the laws of nature, lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, and only once crossed the boundary of the land in which he was born and that in his childhood.  he had no wealth or influence and had neither training or education in the world's schools.  His relatives were inconspicuous and uninfluential.  In infancy he startled the king.  In boyhood He puzzled the learned doctors.  In manhood he ruled the course of nature. He walked upon the billows and hushed the seas asleep. He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His services.  He never wrote a book, yet all the libraries of the country could not hold all of the books about him.  He never wrote a song, yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all songwriters together.  He never founded a college, yet all the schools together cannot boast of as many students as He has.  He never practiced medicine, yet He healed more broken hearts than the doctors have healed broken bodies.  This Jesus Christ is the star of astronomy, the rock of geology, the lion and the lamb of zoology, the harmonizer of all discord, and the healer of all diseases.  Throughout history great men have come and gone, yet He lives on.  Herod could not kill Him, Satan could not seduce Him, death could not destroy Him, and the grave could not hold Him.  This is our Christ the pre-eminent One." (author unknown)