"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.

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