My main site can be seen at www.ganderpoems.org Thank you! Enjoy! ~louis

Sunday, December 31, 2006

That Special Tree 12-06


When I was nine, we all were poor -
lived in a house with wooden floor.
At eight o'clock the clock would chime
and then I knew that it was time.
It was okay; I had but three -
Christmas presents just for me!
No gold, frankincense, and myrrh –
but ‘funner’ toys I would prefer!

I snatched the first one - it was small,
tore the wrapping, threw it all.
Pulled back the tape, opened it.
I then plopped down in one big fit.
In the bottom of the box,
I saw sand and a few rocks.
A note said, "Son - I know you care
about the Magi way back there."

They traveled far through desert sand,
not knowing where the star would stand.
It stopped above a stable where -
a baby laid in loving prayer."
As I looked up not very far
on top our tree we had a star....
I sat below that pretty tree,
all decorated, just so for me.

The second present – beautiful,
but what'd I find? -A ball of wool.
The note said, "Son, some shepherds came.
They glorified and praised His name.
“Our house is comfy and so warm,
no chills come in from snow or storm;
But not the stable there of old -
it was drafty, dusty, somewhat cold..."

But now the biggest one of all -
the third and last and oh, so tall;
I carefully unwrapped the bow -
with widened smile my face aglow.
I pulled the wrapping off a bit -
to read the box for what I'd get.
The box was simple. Just plain brown,
so then I tore the wrapping down.

Anticipation turned to shock,
as I spied in that bigger box.
I froze in full bewilderment.
I didn't know quite what it meant.
For it was empty. Nothing there!
Just a present full of air!
Except for yet another note,
signed by daddy - here's his quote:

"Baby Jesus, our present.
In His service, His intent,
He took our burdens, sin and strife,
so you might have eternal life.
Empty? No. This box is not -
and never will its contents rot.
This box is full. Don't think it's odd.
It's filled with love. A gift from God."

Then I woke up - was just a dream!
It wasn't daddy's funny scheme!
So many presents - many mine.
I put God off. There wasn't time!
First I'd enjoy my favorite day,
Full of candy, fun and play.
So many days - it finally came!
Christmas day - so I took aim!

I scrambled off my bed and ran,
down the hall with my big plan.
The tree looked tall. It seemed so far -
and way on top a big, bright star.
And in my socks across the floors,
I slid along past all the doors.
Down that hall into the room,
were many presents I'd consume.

The tree I ran to down the hall -
was somewhat different, somewhat small.
And I was caught quite unaware
as I stopped beneath our star up there.
Just like the wise men from afar,
that followed their revealing star.
Above the stable where it’d stay,
where donkeys stood and Jesus lay.

I could have sworn up there on top -
I thought I heard, "You're here, now stop."
But not above a stable's top -
this time below our tree I’d stop.
Not like the tree of long ago
but bright with ornaments aglow.
Not heavy timbers tied across,
where Jesus died upon the cross.

When only He could make me glad,
I wanted gifts from mom and dad.
Oh, those presents full of toys,
I ripped apart and made some noise.
“Dear God and Jesus - wait a bit.
I’ll play awhile and then I’ll quit.”
How awful, selfish, I became
as I trampled Jesus' name.

But later on, I humbly bowed,
on that floor not one bit proud.
I cried a lot. I cried out loud –
and let him cleanse my sinful cloud.
So through me see that special Star -
always near, not off afar.
-Still upon that special tree,
where Jesus died for you and me.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Our Church Doors 12-20-06

.
At our Church there are two doors -
there is both "in" and "out".
On either side it may be still,
or you might hear a shout.

So what's the difference you might ask,
-betwixt the other side?
You'll find that one is very different,
and the other side denied.

It's your choice which side you choose.
Indifference won't convey.
You won't stand in the doorway.
You cannot block the way.

Each one of us - individually,
is full of love or hate.
It's a personal decision -
not based in unknown fate.

Some choose to lie and steal.
Some choose to rule and scare.
Others choose the truthful way,
and humbly kneel in prayer.

Terrorists may come inside,
and havoc they can raise;
but never fear - the love and strength,
of God who gets our praise.

When we go out, let's show God's love,
and smile from ear to ear;
never holding back the truth,
-and not retaining fear.

In boldness we must always seek,
whether dark and bleak;
and focus on the rugged cross,
-turning the other cheek.

So what side do you stand on?
In God do you believe?
If on Heaven's truth you win,
but on Satan's deceiving, grieve.

With every door, there are two sides.
That's what it's all about.
We cannot serve two masters.
- We're either in or out.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

-------

Monday, December 18, 2006

Who, What, Where, When, Why? 12-18-06


I claim inside, there is no greed -
-But just one important need.
He knows, for others, I've done much,
Therefore, give me this - I plead.

Who do I see in the mirror?
Who do I hear in my ear?
Who sets me high in position?
And whom do I put in the rear?

Who do I see in the mirror?
Who do I hear in my ear?
Who sets me in this position?
- It’s God who has put me here.

"What," may I ask, "is my purpose?"
What must I do to be glad?
What has obstructed my pathway?
And what seems to make me so mad?

"What", may I ask, "is my purpose?"
What must I do to be glad?
What has obstructed my pathway?
Selfishness - it makes me sad.

Where in this world is my present?
"Where", might I ask, "is my gift"?
Where's that thing that matters to me?
And where's my emotional lift?

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Sunday, December 10, 2006

The Vision Division 12-10-06


Behold, the vision, and its division;
Infinite Heaven - to Earth's final end.
God is unchanging, but we keep chasing,
For a God that we can't comprehend.

Many years ago, right here down below,
Humbled in a lowly manger;
A pure simple Dove, poured full of His love,
Yet all those that feared truth, felt danger.

Committing no crime, yet after a time,
He was brought to Pilate alive.
After all the assault and finding no fault -
In harsh anger the multitudes cried:

Screaming, "Crucify Him!" - then it turned grim.
After hours of suffering He died.
They buried the Son. For three days they won.
Then the stone proved that He was alive!

The question confronts our stubborn wants.
Each direction we turn there's none.
We look for more clues and one we will choose;
The true answer is found in God's Son.

The vision's not new. We must think it through.
Will the answer come altogether?
With us way down here - and God way up there -
Only Christ can bring us together.

In sin and despair, you're not with God there,
And that is the vision division.
For up from the earth, Christ offers rebirth,
We all have to make that decision.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

-------

Thursday, December 7, 2006

100% 12-7-06


I hear you say, "I need that car-
look, shiny paint and chrome!"
But listen up you foolish one,
it's breaking up your home.

Your spouse is mad, your children cry,
your bills are piled high.
It's envy, greed- not self-control.
It's just a sinful lie.

Trust in anything will wither,
no matter how it shines.
Time rots and rusts our newest wants,
can you not see the signs?

So turn your head, and turn your mind,
away from all that flaunts-
and set your eyes on God above.
Ignore all other wants.

Now should you hold back hope in Him,
a quarter or an eighth?
No, put ALL trust in God above,
oh, ye of little faith!

The armor from our God above,
shall never rust or dent-
by faith in God who meets our needs,
one hundred full percent.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------