*Past Poems Celebrating the Birth of Christ*
THE FULLNESS OF TIME – TWICE
The Greeks had developed their own way of talking,
A language with more than one way to say “love,”
And spread it abroad by tough sailing and walking,
From major port cities to high towns above.
2
The city of Rome had become its own nation;
Was mighty in men and machinery of wrath.
Long roads now connected each distant war station,
Flagged stones lay in order o’er many a “path.”
3
While kings in the East with a studied reliance,
Had carefully placed many stars on their chart.
From speaking, to fighting, to far-away-science,
It seemed a new era was ready to start.
4
Yes. Formal, predictable ritual held sway.
God, in His power was all but forgotten.
But glorious, wonderful, Son-perfect day;
The fullness of time came–He sent His begotten!
5
Exact parallels would be foolish to muster,
But some similarities seem to be found.
Greek is no longer the language to utter,
It’s English that’s now the wide-world-wanted sound.
6
But Rome still controls, iron-and-clay yet exists;
From titles like “senate,” to shapes of “domed roofs.”
And Rome-borrowed gods and Greek words do persist;
Try “Juno,” “Apollo,” and “Titan” for proofs.
7
Ritual is freshly re-gripping most churches.
A “calendar year” is once more being heard.
Toward broadway, broadway the movement now lurches
Nor is “eucharist” (mass) an in-Bible word.
8
Christ came the first time when God opened time-gates
And He’ll come again when conditions are right.
But antichrist also awaits with his pit-mates.
The false may come first–as “an angel of light.”
9
By “modern” assemblies pure saints are thought odd;
Who “celebrate” nothing–nor worship the earth.
The saints will be caught up when God gives His nod.
His Return will surprise; as His first did, at birth.
– eab, Dec. ‘98
Separate-Holy 