I.                   “The Christmas heart”   Scott Arnold (12-19-2003)

Wonderfully, incredibly made are we

From the flow of spirit into cell, giving life and energy

The soul’s grasp is made real through pulse

A human heart, then a body, in a womb prepared for a purpose

God so loved us that His own Spirit entered flesh

The living Word, softly grew within Mary

Parallel to his earthly mother, His heart formed and grew

Understanding, compassion, emotion, our Savior knew

When hope was born, his mother’s heart raced

Jesus came in joy, awe and wonderful peace

Pain gave way to the gift of Glory and jubilee

Jesus the Emmanuel was with us, His heart was sure and strong

Good news of salvation pulsates from the heavenly chorus

The Lord has come to claim our hearts his throne

There is a secret chamber of your heart that only Jesus can fill

Open, believe, receive, be revived as you trust God’s will

The Christmas heart is warm and pulsing in the Holy Spirit of God.

Garden of Grace

Blue skies beckoned for garden rain

My hand turned the creaky valve

A green vinyl snake came alive

Walking into the garden of grace

I beheld a multitude, color in each face

Placing my thumb firmly for pressure

Water sprang to life in droplets of joy

The sun’s rays danced brightly on each flying bead

Light and rainbow sprinkled the good earth and each plant

The garden of God’s grace gave me joy once again.

    (Scott Arnold, 7-19-2003)

The Wild Roses in God’s Garden

In God’s Garden there are many unique roses.

Not all are the same, some are more wild than others.

Yet even roses whose beauty is hidden from popular view

     Yes, even these wild roses,  are a joy to their creator.

    For the fragrance of one’s heart is what our Savior knows.

    The beauty of the soul is what our Lord sees.

    Into His Garden of Grace,  before His lovely face

    The wild roses are welcomed and blessed.

       (poem by  Scott Arnold  5-16-2003)

(For a memorial service for Bruce Rosebush.  He was a man who the world labeled “retarded”, but whom God  welcomed as ‘redeemed”. )

“We are His Witnesses”

Angel of the Lord come down to earth

Roll away the stone of death

Bring strong soldiers to shudder in shear fear

Bring humble followers to comfort so dear

Jesus Christ is risen

Hark the dawn and awake the dead

Resurrection is real and sin has lost it's sting

The gospel of God's grace and truth prevails

Triumphant Christ lives victorious

We are His witnesses, God's proof in human form

Come, therefore, glorify Jesus our living Lord

Believe in Jesus for His Saving Power

Trust in His Lordship and Surrender your all

Receive Christ in your Heart forever

Your life is held forever by God's eternal love

- Scott Arnold 4-10-2004

Bright Morning Star.

Bright Beam, God's Son, Jesus our Lord

With humility and majesty you came among us.

Full of grace and truth you set us free

From sin and death you brought us liberty

Streams of mercy come from your hands and brow

Bring forgiveness and life here and now.

Rivers of life flow from your Holy Throne

Satisfying our thirst for righteousness in Thee alone

From a sealed tomb that could not keep Thee

Thy light broke forth in divine hope and authority

Into our presence and in our hearts your resurrection shines

By faith we are saved, God's grace at work as He refines

(Scott Arnold 4-19-2003)

The following PDF file has a poem that was written in memory of M. Gene Arnold:  He loved Christ and Christmas.

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