A Month from Matthew – 23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 1.23
[ The most “complicated” act of which we know, yet simple here; as simple as “Mat 1 2 3.” ]
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A CHRISTMAS CARD? (22nd card) [1]
I really have no l-o-n-g standing need,
To sit and sit and read, read and read
About the facts of “southern living,”
(Laura is now a baby sitter!)
I like the plain Christmas Card giving.
Spare me from the mammoth form letter.
Plain Christmas Cards have been no doubt proved,
(You did change pastorates? What you moved?
I thought you liked Loogootee people.
Didn’t Don and Mary treat you right?
God lead you? Sounds a little feeble.
Maybe Bedford or Sankey’s “bite”?)
I was saying, Uh, we keep our cards.
– Letters don’t rhyme like jingles by “bards” –
Our pretty ones we have on display,
(I heard you resigned – that’s not the word,
As head of W E A A.
Felt lost? Unless that’s what you preferred.)
It’s OK if one must write on card,
(Oh! You found leaving them all quite hard!
Well, we DO understand, don’t you fret.
– But let me get this next very straight.
[Cause I thought it was concrete set]
You’re working on a Master’s of late ? ? ?)
You do-o-o agree with me, do you not.
Cards say it all – that’s why they are bought.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, no words contrary.
(Jackson’s a long way to drive, I’d say.
Wesley Biblical Seminary!
Interstates! You don’t go every day!)
You will pardon please my views about
Holiday Cards and how they’re sent out.
Can’t stand letters with head line stories –
SON IS MARRIED TO A GREAT MAN’S GIRL
(Andrew got hitched? Tell me the “Gories”!!
Love to have been there, caught in the whirl.)
And another thing I don’t care for
Is the computerized letter, nor
Its matching label on the outside.
(Poncha what? Pon-cha-tou-la, What names!
So that’s were you pastor and abide,
You and all three the fair Bryan dames?)
I hope I’ve set out, clear as a bell;
Send a plain card, buy just what they sell.
(And Lincoln’s in Florida – dating?
Heather is doing paces at home?
And Laura is working and waiting,
Next year she off to college will roam?)
Cards yes. Letters are so dull and long.
(So you’re getting along like a song.
A great pounding a few weeks ago?
Glad you like people, parsonage, and all.
God’s entire family is nice to know.
You’ve had a fine move, summer, and fall!)
Well, I’ve said enough about my peeves.
And pardon my long parentheses.
(May you have a Great Remembrance
Of HIS coming as a Baby King.)
And if YOU send a letter by chance.
Don’t ask; You’ll know I read the whole thing!!
– eab, Dec. ‘87
[1] Written my first year at Wesley Biblical Seminary. If it seems too light, it was probably a release valve after all that study.
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If you are your own “Herod,”
ruling your “own little kingdom” and want no rival in Christ
Ah – – – there IS Danger in the Manger.
– eab, 1/18/13
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The thoughts of the sacred sage
The thesis of the ascending age
The truest right and wrong gage
Are all found on His printed page.
eab, 12/23/10
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ON THIS DATE
William H Doane died 12/23/1915. He converted to Christ at 17. He became machinery manufacturer in Cincinnati where he lived the rest of his life. Doane was superintendent of the Mount Auburn Baptist Sunday School for over 25 years.
He collaborated with Fanny Crosby for several hymn tunes – “Savior, More Than Life to Me” “I Am Thine, Lord” “More Love to Thee” “Near the Cross” “Pass Me Not” “Take the Name of Jesus with You” “Rescue the Perishing” “To God Be the Glory” “I Am Thine, O Lord” “More Love to Thee, O Christ” “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” “Rescue the Perishing” “Take the Name of Jesus with You” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” – in all he penned 2200 melodies. Doane was born 2/3/1832, at Preston, CT.
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Separate-Holy 