Bethlehem

Bethlehem
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Did you know, Oh ancient city,
That Rachel died within your bounds,
But her Joseph became the deliverer of his people?

Did you know, Oh ancient city,
That lovely Ruth gleaned the wheat for bread
And with righteous Boaz gave birth in generations
To the Bread of Life?

Did you know, Oh ancient city,
That David shepherded  your lambs
And fathered the Lamb of God?
That he wore the crown
And fathered the King of Kings?

Bethlehem, Oh Bethlehem,
House of the Bread of God,
We call forth the warrior angels on your behalf.
We call forth the host of heaven 
To bring peace within your gates.

Deck the House

Deck the House

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

We toured the town to celebrate Christmas with those

 who play one-up-manship with outdoor decorations.

A Cornhusker fan displays a gigantic red "N".

Near the corner, Santa kneels before a manger

on which the baby Jesus rests with a light bulb in His head.

The Johnson's ceramic yard dog wears antlers and a red nose.

The Methodists have a recalcitrant llama in their living nativity.

The neighbors experience brown-out

whenever Eilene throws the switches to illumine

the Holy Family in Santa's workshop.

The folks on the hill have a Christmas tree

    protruding crookedly through their sky-light.

And Santa's hoisting a beer stein.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.