A Christmas Poem: Isaiah 9:1-7

Dear Church Family,

This past Sunday evening at the PWPC Christmas party, we enjoyed much wonderful food, conversation and fellowship, songs from the children of the church, and the corporate singing of some Christmas hymns. My wife and I also want to thank you for the surprise Christmas present and card which was given to us at the party. We are very grateful to the Lord for guiding our steps to the home that we have found here at Park Woods. May the Lord continue to bless you and our church, the house and family of God. I failed to get any photos of the food and dishes that people brought, but here are some of the mealtime and singing.

During the Lord’s supper this past Sunday, I shared a poem from one of my favorite poets, George Herbert. The poem is called Dialoge-Anthem. Christian-Death. If you’re interested, you may find this poem online here: https://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/herbert/dialogue.htm

Speaking of poems and poetry, every so often and particularly on certain occasions, I try my hand at writing a poem. This Christmas, I sought to set my pen (or keyboard, as the case may be) to write a poem reflecting on the promises and prophecies of Isaiah 9:1-7 which are fulfilled in Christ in the new covenant. Here is my attempt:

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Isaiah 9:1-7

Church, we have seen His glorious kingdom, and it is us!

(vv 1-3) A Glorious People

Living in the shadow of death, stumbling in the darkness,

Nothing but anguish and contempt, our deserved lot, a just reward.

Yet, behold, God has made the nations His people!

No more gloom, no more gloom; only a great light, harvest and spoil.

(vv 4-5) A Glorious Battle

Victory belongs to our Warrior King: The Lord’s day, the day of the Lord!

In the weakness of a cattle stall and cruel cross, God’s power.

In the foolishness of the gospel and sacrifice, His salvation.

In the judgment of our returning King, salvation and justice.

(v 6) A Glorious Child

Mary’s child, God’s Son; ours, ours, our rightful King.

The wonder of His counsel is mysterious, boundless.

The might of His strength fells all enemies, foes.

The love of the Father bequeaths favor, eternal life.

The reign of His peace conveys wholeness, perfect peace.

(v 7) A Glorious Kingdom

Your kingdom irrupting, spreading, growing, never ending;

Christ rules His church from David’s throne, Israel’s come of age;

Justice and righteousness endure, His kingdom’s pillars are secure;

The Lord’s zeal is effectual, His jealousy unquenchable.

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Merry Christmas!

The Lord be with you!

- Pastor Peter M. Dietsch