Sunday, December 29, 2019

It's Resolution Time...

Are You Ready
To Make a New Year's Resolution?

Photo credit: drericz.com



     COVER TO COVER IN 2020

     Among my most meaningful things to do
     while reading the Holy Scriptures through
     is write Messiah's name in the margin
     of the Old Testament, where'er I find Him.
     Of course, I do not find Jesus' name,
     but I certainly find Him, just the same.

     I find Him in the Lamb and the Lion,
     foreshadows of the Temple in Zion,
     find Him in Joshua, David, Passover,
     in the Song, the whale, cover to cover.
     I've thumbed through pages and jotted a few
     Messianic treasures to share with you:

     Messiah's birth’s foretold in Micah, five;
     seven centuries later, Jesus arrived;
     virgin birth proclaimed, Isaiah seven,
     a Son to be fathered by God in Heaven.
     Kings will bow down to Him and nations serve,
     Solomon's Psalm Seventy-two observes.

     He'll be pierced and mourned, says Zechariah;
     Our Redeemer, fifty-three, Isaiah,
     which foretells of resurrection glory!
     Genesis to Revelation, God's true story!
     The Word reveals a magnificent plan
     in this tome of Our Savior, God and Man.

         Well, now that Twenty Twenty is here
         I’ll suggest a resolution without peer:
         Resolve to read before this year’s over,
         the Holy Bible, cover to cover.
         It contains everything we need to know
         about God’s love and grace and how to grow.
        Let’s read the story beginning to end
        of our Sovereign Savior and closest Friend!

     Maude Carolan Pych





Wednesday, December 25, 2019

"Simeon & Anna"

Christmas Day--2019

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Hallelujah!


Image credit: pinterest.com



SIMEON & ANNA

Simeon wondered
if he were seeing things
He rubbed his tired old eyes
squinted and peered again
at the little family
that came through the Temple doors

The Sanctuary
was shadowy and dim
Flames from the oil lamps
were flickering—
Were his eyes playing tricks?

Wasn’t this an ordinary family?
…a couple like any
ordinary Jewish couple
here to present their firstborn son
holy to the Lord?

Nothing special about them
Just poor folk
with two lowly turtledoves
for the sacrifice…yet?

Perhaps this was wishful thinking
Perhaps, his imagination
He needed to be sure
Simeon moved a bit closer

Oh, he’d been waiting so patiently
for the fulfillment of the promise
of the Lord to comfort Israel

He knew He would—
for the Holy Spirit
assured him
he absolutely would not die
until he beheld the Messiah
…but that was long ago

Suddenly an unmistakable quickening
began rising up in his spirit…Yes!
…O Glory! Glory!

He bounded
toward Mary and Joseph
with arms outstretched
and swooped up
their swaddled infant son
uttering prophetic proclamations
jubilant and terrifying

I behold God’s salvation!

A light to the Gentiles

The glory of God’s people Israel

and directly to Mary, he prophesied:

…a sword will pierce your soul

She shuddered…
for she knew God had a plan, but…
What could this mean?

Then the widow Anna approached
Bent and grey and pious
she was a prophetess
who dwelled in the Temple
most of her life, praying
fasting and serving the Lord
with a joyful heart

Spontaneous praise
sprang from her lips
as she beheld the babe
Then Anna proclaimed
to all who would listen:

Come and see…
This is our newborn redeemer!

…from that day forward
Jesus grew
in wisdom and grace

the Cross before Him…

…and a sword did pierce
Mary’s soul

Maude Carolan Pych

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

"'Twas the Night of All Nights!"

Day #24

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

It's Christmas Eve,
and today I have a very special
rhyming poem to read to your children...



‘TWAS THE NIGHT…OF ALL NIGHTS!

Children gather round. It’s time for a story,
one that’s filled with hallelujahs and glory.

It’s about the glorious night of all nights,
angels and magi and sight of all sights!

About God, a virgin, the birth of a king,
wooly sheep, poor shepherds, and gift giving!

My story takes place long ago, far away
and starts with a Babe in a crib full of hay;

His mother’s a virgin, His father is God,
the birth, a miraculous Heavenly nod.

The Baby is born in a Bethlehem barn
near a few smelly animals, like on a farm.

Poor shepherds in a field shudder with fright
when suddenly the dark sky fills up with light

as beautiful angels, bright splendors winging
tell of the birth with hallelujahs and singing!

So, the shepherds and sheep the very next morn
set off to visit this special Newborn.

Rich wisemen follow a bright beaming star
to the Bethlehem barn; the journey is far.

They ride astride camels, carrying treasures
to give to the One they’ll worship forever.

Why in the world would they do such strange things?
Why travel so far? Why great treasures bring?

The reason is simple, the Babe in the hay
becomes the world’s Savior, Who takes sin away.

His name is Jesus and He loves you and me
and wants us to love Him for eternity.

That was the night of all nights here on Earth…
the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth!

Maude Carolan Pych

Monday, December 23, 2019

"The Shepherds"

Day #23

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Rick Sabato's painting, "Lambs."



THE SHEPHERDS

Shepherds recline around the fire
Their long day’s work is done
The air is crisp, the sky is clear
they watch the setting sun

The sheep that grazed the fields by day
now safely sleep nearby
Men each take night-watch turns
to watch for wolves and foxes, sly

They eat some fish, some barley bread
drink water from the well
draw woolen blankets ‘round them, snug
they laugh and stories tell

Suddenly the calm is stirred
by singing in the sky
The shepherds lift their drowsy heads
What’s happening and why?

They can’t believe their ears and eyes
for what they hear and see…
a throng of shining faces, wings
snow white and fluttery!

The rugged shepherds tremble
The angels chant, “Do not fear…
We bring you tidings of great joy
all people need to hear

For unto you is born this day
in little Bethlehem—
swaddled in a manger, Christ
the Savior of all men!

Glory to God in the highest!”
sweet angel voices sing
“Peace on earth, goodwill to men”
They proclaim the newborn King!

As the angels take their leave
the men vow in the morn
they’ll go to Bethlehem and seek
the Christ, the newly born

So with the rising of the sun
each with his staff and rod
the shepherds with their sheep set off…
Their quest, the Lamb of God

Arriving at the humble place
the angels sang about
they enter with resounding praise
and hallelujah shouts!

As the shepherds kneel, adoring
a spotless wooly lamb
approaches the lowly manger
and gently nuzzles the I Am

Maude Carolan Pych

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Let's Light the Lights!

Day #22

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Happy Hanukkah!   Merry Christmas!

Image credit: qvgop.org


DECEMBER LIGHTS

It’s the Season of Lights…We delight in the glow
of Christmas and Hanukkah; the stories we know
of God’s awesome miracles, deliverance and Birth
to show His great Love for all people on Earth.

Alongside our manger there stands a menorah;
we sing Joy to the World and then dance the Hora,
ignite the nine lamps and hang a wreath on the door,
tell of brave Maccabees, the virgin birth and more.

We worship with believers, Gentiles and Jews,
we recite the Shema and share the Good News,
read Old Covenant prophesies from A to Z
like the Gospel revealed in Isaiah Fifty-three!

Our Messiah is Jesus; Yeshua, some say—
He’s the Light of the World; our great hope for today!
We praise Him, adore Him, we’re blessed to impart:
His fire burns brightly in our circumcised hearts!

We believe He was born to save us from sin,
that He died and was buried then rose up again.
By Blood He has saved us, our Atonement, He Is!
By His Resurrection, we’ll live for He Lives!

We are Olive Tree branches, Gentile and Jew—
united in Messiah…and all Born Anew!

Maude Carolan Pych

******
I just want to let everyone know that the holiday program at The Ant last night was delightful! A good time was had by all. There was excellent poetry, beautiful music, delicious treats, and a fine open mic segment. Thanks to all who came and a great big thank you to Jim & Emily Gwyn for facilitating this event.

******

Available Now...

Saturday, December 21, 2019

"Grafted In"

Day #21

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Happy Hanukkah!   Merry Christmas!


GRAFTED IN
(Formerly "Rooted")

I love to see a Star of David on a Christmas tree,
reminder of my Jewish roots in Christianity.
Happy there is a Hanukiah on a churchyard lawn
adjacent to a manger, dimly flickering at dawn.
I give praise to the Paschal Lamb, crucified at Calvary
Who rose victorious from death to set all sinners free!

I hear the Rosh Hashanah trump forewarning with its cry,
reminding me the Day of God is surely drawing nigh;
then marvel every Yom Kippur at graciousness of God,
lavish with his mercy; He spares the chastening rod.
I read Old Testament prophecy’s fulfillment in the New,
with the Messiah’s story interwoven through and through.

In Shabbat tapers I behold Yeshua, Light of World—
Before my eyes, clearly see, God’s glorious plan unfurled!
I’ve been blessed to pray at Israel’s Wall and empty Tomb
of my Savior, Yeshua, born of Virgin Mary’s womb.
At Gethsemane, I’ve beheld an ancient olive tree
and known within my spirit that one grafted branch is me.

I’m born again and spiritually circumcised of heart;
I’m blessed to be a Gentile, who has become a part
of all the covenant promises sealed by the Blood of God—
I’ll always praise His Holy Name as I walk this earthly sod.

Maude Carolan


Poetry Tonight
(Saturday, December 21st)


I'll be reading holiday poetry with a few friends,
7pm, at The Ant Bookstore & Cafe
345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ.

There'll also be music & light refreshments.
Admission is free.

.

Friday, December 20, 2019

"Oh! To Kiss the Face of God"

Day #20

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

A new poem for Christmas, 2019...

Image credit: stacyrobert.com

OH! TO KISS THE FACE OF GOD

The first time
I heard, “Mary, Did You Know?”
is permanently etched in my mind

I was folding clothes in the bedroom
listening to “Let It Grow”
Pastor Charlie Rizzo’s
Christian call-in radio program
At a break, he introduced a Christmas song
by Mark Lowry, written by Lowry in 1984

Immediately, the music and lyrics
drew me in and I visualized
the young virgin-mother, Mary
cradling baby Jesus
as Lowry sang of wonders
her boy would grow to perform
wonders, like walking on water
and saving us, and even
…this child that you delivered
will soon deliver you

Oh! I broke out in goosebumps—

Mary did you know
that your baby boy will
give sight to a blind man
…calm a storm with his hand

and when Lowry sang
…And when you kiss your little baby
you’ve kissed the face of God

that did it—
Tears welled in my eyes
and trickled down my cheeks

Mary kissed the baby face of God!

Then he went on singing, Mary did you know…
that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
is the great I Am

Oh! What an awesome privilege
to be the mother of the Savior

It was a few weeks before Christmas
Pastor Rizzo aired the song
a few more times
Each time, tears flowed

Soon music stations began playing the song
Sometimes it was performed
by other recording artists

The business manager where I worked
knew the song was meaningful to me
One day he surprised me with a gift—
the song on CD by Kenny Rogers

Then my daughter-in-law-to-be, Omayra,
aware of how much I loved it
arranged to have it sung
at their wedding
That was special, indeed!

Never has a song
touched me as that one
has touched me—
Never before have there been lyrics
I wished I’d penned myself

It thoroughly blesses my heart
to imagine the virgin
holding her swaddled son in her arms
oblivious to what their future would hold
putting tender lips to his tiny cheek, and
kissing…softly kissing
the holy face of God!

Maude Carolan Pych


Tomorrow at The Ant Bookstore & Cafe...
I'll be reading poetry with my friends!
Join us Saturday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ
for poetry, music & cookies!
Admission is free.



Available now:


For more information: maudecarolanpych.com






Thursday, December 19, 2019

"Another Silent Night"

Day #19

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas


ANOTHER SILENT NIGHT

My friend Holly (who has a special
affinity with all things Christmas)
once gave me a picture
of Mary at the crib of Jesus—
She said the image of Mary
reminded her of one of my daughters

I framed the picture
and hung it on the wall
not because of any resemblance
to my daughter, but
because I was moved
by the striking look of anguish
upon Mary’s lovely face

This had to have been the day
Mary and Joseph went to the temple
to dedicate Jesus, the day
they offered two turtledoves
as a sacrifice for their firstborn son

Simeon was present when they came in
and knew immediately
by the power of the Holy Spirit
that this Child was
God’s promised Savior

He told Mary—
A sword will pierce your soul!

This silent night in Bethlehem
as Jesus lay sleeping
Mary lifts his tiny hand
to her trembling lips
She wonders about God’s marvelous plan
wonders how a Savior saves

and as she wonders, she feels
the point of an unseen sword
pressing against her flesh—

What did that wise old man mean?

There’s so much I do not know—
So much I do not want to know

tonight

Maude Carolan Pych


I'll be reading this poem and others, with friends
at The Ant Bookstore & Cafe
345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ
Saturday, 7 p.m.

Sr. Jane Abeln, Rev. EJ Emerson
Maude Carolan Pych, Barbara Williams-Hubbard

There'll be poetry, music & Christmas cookies!
Come, join us. It's free!


There'll also be copies available of my new book:
Behold the Lamb...poetically!


It's also available at amazon.com

For more information, go to


Wednesday, December 18, 2019

"The Baby Next Door"

Day #18

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Image credit: womeninthebible.net


THE BABY NEXT DOOR

I saw him the other day
the baby boy who lives next door
His parents are poor Hebrews, like we are
He’s swaddled the same way we swaddle our babies
and he cries and coos just like our babies do, yet—

the brightest star I’ve ever seen
shines down upon him every night
and shepherds have left their fields
just to take a look at him
exclaiming all the while
about angels singing in the sky

Really? Angels in the sky—

One day I saw wisemen from afar
dressed in finery, ride in on camels
They were bearing costly gifts to honor him
and actually bowed prostrate
before his little cradle

I met his mother at the well, yesterday
Her name is Miriam (Mary)
She told me they’ve named him, Yeshua (Jesus)

Yeshua is a fine name. It means savior
Savior. We’ve been waiting for a savior—

Hmmmmm…

Maude Carolan Pych

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

"Behold, The Lamb"

Day #17

A-Poem-a-Day Until Christmas

Image credit: harvestministry.com


BEHOLD, THE LAMB

1.
In a grassy field in Bethlehem
a rugged old shepherd
tenderly smooths the wooly coat
of a pregnant ewe, as she bleats in labor
almost ready to deliver her offspring

He’s been through this many times—
Patiently, the shepherd remains with her
prepared to assist as she gives birth

Immediately following the delivery, he wisely wipes
the membrane away from the lamb’s face
so it can breathe, while the mother
instinctively licks it all over with her tongue
In a few minutes, it rises on wobbly legs
and manages a few shaky steps

Then the shepherd picks it up
and carefully examines
every limb and joint and crevice
Finding no blemish
he wraps strips of swaddling cloth
around its delicate little hooves
to protect them from splintering or cracking

He’ll raise this spotless little lamb
with utmost care—

and present it to the Levitical priests
designated for sacrifice
upon the altar at the Temple in Jerusalem

as an atonement for sin

2.
The old shepherd
warms himself by the fire
with the younger men
when suddenly the sky is alight
with angels singing praises to God
and announcing with joy
the birth of Jesus, Savior of the World

Filled with great jubilation
the shepherds set off
with their flock, to honor Him
They don’t have far to travel

In a lowly stable outside an inn
they find the Babe
with His mother, Mary
and her husband, Joseph

Baby Jesus is without blemish
swaddled and sleeping, in a make-shift cradle
that is actually a feeding trough for animals

Years go by
and in the fullness of time
the Man, Jesus, presents Himself
to John, the Baptizer
on the shore of the Jordan River

As He approaches
John proclaims to all who will listen

Behold, the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world![1]

A few years later
Jesus, Son of God, the spotless Lamb
does exactly that, once and for all—

at the Cross

Maude Carolan Pych




[1]John 1:29 NASB



Come to the Ant on Saturday...


I'll be reading holiday poetry with my friends
at The Ant Bookstore & Cafe
345 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ
Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm
There'll be holiday music & Christmas cookies!
Free admission



My new book is available now online:



For more information go to: