WELCOME AUTHOR AND POET JEROLYN LOCKHART

WELCOME AUTHOR AND POET JEROLYN LOCKHART
Saturday, December 16, 2017 by Patti Shene

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JEROLYN LOCKHART TO PATTI’S PORCH. JEROLYN IS MY WRITING PARTNER AND A GOOD FRIEND WHO SHARES THIS PIECE AS HER FIRST WRITTEN WORK IN A PUBLIC VENUE SINCE HER STROKE THREE YEARS AGO THIS MONTH.

ANTICIPATION TO CELEBRATION

Jerolyn Lockhart

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

--Isaiah 9:6-7

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all

that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

--Luke 2:20

Ah, Christmas time! A time of wonder and awe, anticipation and celebration! And how much more wonderful with small children around, excited and curious, looking for hidden gifts, and counting the days on the Advent calendar to the final Christmas celebration.

We count down and anticipate the time, as well. We clean and plan, decorate and bake, wanting everything to be just perfect for those we love and our invited guests.

I think of the young virgin Mary, being given a special invitation that was both holy and frightful. A declaration that she was chosen to give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. Nine months to mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for the birth of her child, her King. Wanting things to be perfect, yet knowing difficulty was awaiting her, she humbly accepted her position and praised God for what was to come. She would find that “perfect” had a different look than what she anticipated.

Who could know that “perfect” would include a stable and a manger, or shepherds rushing in to see her baby? But that’s what perfection was. The only thing majestic about all that was the angel that appeared to the shepherds, declaring:

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

These shepherds were invited to go before their Lord, who would greet them from a stable with a manger for His throne and swaddling clothes for robes. A heavenly King presented in an uncommon manner to a most common people. Imagine their joy at the sight of this baby, who had come to save the world! They excitedly told the message that was given to them by the angels, and having to go back to care for their sheep, went out rejoicing and praising God for all they had seen and heard.

This Christmas, we’ll gather around in our festive clothes and preparations, we’ll hold our children and grandchildren close and retell the Nativity story as we have for generations. And as we look into their faces, I pray we still feel the awe and wonder for the Christ child, who was born to us. Then, as we go back to our daily lives, let us be like the shepherds, “glorifying and praising God.” From prophecy to fulfillment, from anticipation to celebration. Rejoice!

Jerolyn Lockhart is a poet, writer, and stroke survivor. She authored a poetry volume entitled Egrets Rise, and her work has appeared in such publications as Chinook, Brazos, Gumbo, and Devotions for Writers. Jerolyn has blogged for Six Rural Writers and will resume when it is renewed this coming year. She has written and performed seasonal works for radio.

When not writing at the local Dairy Queen (the only fast food restaurant in town!), Jerolyn enjoys time with family, studying God’s word, and can always be counted on as a faithful prayer warrior.

Look for Jerolyn on:

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Comments

cynthia Roemer From US At 12/26/2017 9:54:55 AM

Amen, Jerolyn! Christ is the greatest gift we'll ever receive. Blessings to you and yours!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cynthia. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Jerolyn.

Jerolyn From Las Animas, CO At 12/24/2017 10:32:08 PM

Thank you, Patti, for hosting me. And thanks to your readers who left such kind comments. May you all be blessed this wonderful Christmas season!

Bonnie Engstrom From Scottsdale, AZ At 12/24/2017 6:49:03 PM

What a beautiful devotion, Jerolyn. Thank you for your faith that encourages others. Bonnie

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Bonnie. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Jerolyn. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and many blessings throughout 2018.

Harry L Wegley From WA At 12/24/2017 2:16:05 PM

"Wanting things to be perfect, yet knowing difficulty was awaiting her..." This is where many of us find ourselves each year as Christmas approaches. Thanks for the reminder that even the mother of our Saviour had to accept humbly the less than desireable circumstances God placed her in.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Harry. Thank you for sharing that thought with us. Merry Christmas and many blessings throughout 2018.

Jennifer Hallmark From AL At 12/24/2017 1:37:46 PM

Wonderful thought this Christmas!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jennifer. Thank you for stopping by. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Deirdre Lockhart From At 12/24/2017 5:39:27 AM

Patti, thanks for posting this inspiring message! Jerolyn, hi from one Lockhart to another. ??????. You've left me thinking about God's idea of "perfect", indeed oft far from our plans and hopes and expectations. But His perfect is definitely the one I want in my life. Lovely takeaway. God bless.

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Deidre. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. In our friendship, Jerolyn has given me a different perspective on many things and made me do some serious thinking! May God bless you!

Sara Foust From TN At 12/24/2017 12:01:57 AM

It has been such a stressful season of life this last third of 2017. Thank you for the beautiful words reminding what the Christmas season is truly about.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Sara. I know several folks who have had a stressful and difficult 2017. I'm thankful for friends like Jerolyn who remind us of the hope that exists in the gift of our Savior. Thank you for coming by.

Gail Kittleson From Iowa At 12/23/2017 9:28:59 PM

My favorite phrase here is both holy and frightful...if that isn't true to life! I look back and realize how I've usually veered toward the "frightful" side, when holiness was there, too. Thank you so much Jerolyn. Have a blessed Christmas.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Gail, thank you so much for stopping by to share with Jerolyn. She is truly an example of a person who honors the holiness of our Lord!

Peg Phifer From Wisconsin At 12/23/2017 8:58:45 PM

What a lovely, well-written post, Jerolyn. Thank you, God bless you, and a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Peg. Thanks so much, my good friend, for leaving a comment for another good friend!

Paula Moldenhauer From Colorado At 12/21/2017 1:35:23 PM

Lovely. Thank you.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Thank you for stopping by, Paula. It means so much to have my ACFW friends encourage my friend Jerolyn with comments!

Jerolyn From Las Animas, CO At 12/20/2017 3:45:39 PM

Thank you, Beth. May you have a most merry and blessed Christmas!

Beth Vogt From CO At 12/20/2017 12:11:54 AM

Jerolyn: The Christmas season is filled to overflowing with reasons to celebrate -- and I celebrate your return to writing with this beautiful blog post.