We search for signs, look for signals of change, indicators of promise. Because winter can lie heavy on our world-weary souls. Will the bells ring out for us this season? Will we find reason to rejoice?
Christmas is a clarion call to celebration, largely of the material kind. It is also an oasis of hope, peace and joy for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus, a welcome pit stop to remember His first coming to earth and His future return.
We’re invited to take a holy pause, to savour the sacred in our midst, honour God above all things. And we cannot fail to see how creation itself speaks of a deep yearning for the difference which each new season of the year will bring.
My first haiku today was sparked by remembering that many are now knee-deep in trenches of snow. Yet, despite how prolonged it can seem, winter will be over before we know it and spring is already stirring beneath the frozen soil.
‘Ring out a welcome’
Bells silenced by frost
Snowdrops ring out a welcome
Sign of early spring
If creation is a clear sign of God’s presence, it also holds whispers of His joy. Every flower is full of His glory, each green stem a vivid reminder of God’s vitality, His thisness infiltrating our everyday with the living sustenance, strength and support which only He can provide.
I believe living things ring clear and true of God’s goodness and grace, and that includes us too. We are receptacles and shining lights, offering a glimpse of His manifest glory working in and through us.
‘These inner bells’
You can’t silence these
inner bells—they peal freely
ring out joy within
Time inches closer and we are almost ready to celebrate Christmas, to proclaim the joyous news of Emmanuel, God-with-us as a babe in Bethlehem and as Saviour and Lord in the here and now.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders..” ~ Isaiah 9:6
‘Ring out praises’
Sound the living bells
Let earth rejoice and ring out
Praises to her King
“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace: ~ Isaiah 9:6
I’m linking here to Ronovan Writes where this week’s haiku challenge prompt is: ‘Bells/Ring’. You are warmly invited to join in. There’s no need to write more than one haiku but I tend to get carried away! 🙂
Poetry Joy 
Thanks for your wonderful posts. May you and yours have a blessed holiday season.
Peace and grace. Roy
Thank you, Roy!
Rich blessings of the season to you and yours too.
What a treat to read haiku on this blustery day😀
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Thank you, Laurie, it’s a treat to see you here, my friend! Bless you for stopping by. 🙂 xo
Dear Joy,
Oh, yes, I agree with Laurie! What a treat to read your poetry in the midst of cold and snow! And: “Every flower is full of His glory, each green stem a vivid reminder of God’s vitality, His thisness infiltrating our everyday with the living sustenance, strength and support which only He can provide” reaches into my soul with hope for those spring-time greens, and for that deep touch of HIS vitality. Truly, He does meet us here, and our walking through these days is proof that we have been carried by Him! Thank you, dear friend, for this “clarion call” to rejoice yet again with His gift of Christmas! Blessings and Hugs across the miles!! xoxo
Dear Bettie, I so agree with your words: “Truly, He does meet us here, and our walking through these days is proof that we have been carried by Him!” Amen! In times when energy is lower than usual and we feel weak with fatigue, it is then that our Saviour willingly carries us more than before. Our human weakness and frailty always pave the way for a greater measure of His grace. Blessings and hugs returned to you across the miles (and screens)! xoxo
Joy, these are all so full of joy and praise. I love the way your words remind us that God’s presence is always with us. Blessings to you! xo
Gayl, it appears my mind was primarily fixed on reading joy and praise from the ‘Bells/Ring’ prompt! This season of Christmas celebration tends to focus mind and senses on the holy in our midst. Glad you enjoyed reading them, sweet friend. Blessings and hugs to you!. xox
God with us..in our pain, in our joy, in our doubts, etc. My soul has been weary this Advent; weary with the events of the world. Your post was balm for my soul today. Thanks!
Tara, I sympathise with your soul weariness. It can cling tenaciously at times, often when we least expect it to. And world events tend to leach all the joy out of our souls if we let them. Thank God for His joy and peace which are beyond our understanding, but wonderfully available to help lift our mood and be a balm of hope, a welcome light in a dark world! Thinking of you, my friend. May your tender, loving heart be soothed and your pain eclipsed by the JOY of remembering Christ’s coming. God bless you with His peace. xo
Reblogged this on Pastor Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Thanks for the Joy, Joy ❤❤
An inspiring framework within which to present your haiku. Thank you!
Hi Lizl, thanks for stopping by! Glad you liked this post. Blessings to you. 😊