The Songs of Christmas

The Songs of Christmas

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, on a glorious Silent Night,

Joy to the World

As we hear the, First Noel, with Tidings of Comfort and Joy…

O Come All Ye Faithful, Come Let Us Adore Him

 

O Holy Night, see him there Away in a Manger…

O Little Town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie…

We Three Kings

Come to honor the savior of the world…

Years later others would sing…

Dashing through the Snow, as Jingle Bells were heard,

We’ll have A White Christmas and

Watch Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Underneath the Christmas Tree.

We’ll Deck the Halls

And enjoy Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, will guide Santa to all the good little boys and girls.

Sitting in Santa’s lap, he’ll hear, All I Want for Christmas…

On the First day of Christmas My true love gave to me, a Partridge in a pear tree, to the twelve drummers drumming, tis a time of merriment…

There’s Frosty the Snowman, a happy, jolly soul…

Do You Hear What I Hear?

While Shepherds Watch, the Little Drummer Boy.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen—

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, glory to the new born king!

I’ll Be Home for Christmas, if only in my dreams…

So Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

And everybody sing…

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Throughout our lives we’ve heard these joyful songs

From Up on the House Top to O Holy Night

Always remember the one who gave His life…

Whether a Christmas song, that’s sung

Or a little story told…

History has been given to help us to be bold…

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse…

Let us rejoice and give glory to God…for…

Christ is Born in Bethlehem

Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel…

--Marla Shaw O’Neill December 12, 2016

JESUS STOOD STILL

 
Jesus Stood Still

Sitting by the way side on a busy crowded street

Two men dirty, ragged, down-cast and weak…

Unable to see with physical eyes, yet sensed the Lord, was passing by

Crying out they began to shout, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David…”

Not seeing they could see…

“Hold your peace, you beggars, the Lord has no time for thee.” The multitude rebuked.

With nothing to lose they cried all the more…

“Have mercy on us, O Lord, son of David.”

All of heaven watched the display…

Would two blind men be heard today?

Then without a warning, the walking and talking ceased

Ears straining to hear, people begging to be healed, so much noise in the streets, what would He do, what will he say?

JESUS….STOOD….STILL…

Listening, He knew these two men recognized, without seeing they could see…

The Lord was passing by…

“What shall I do for you today?” Jesus waited for the men to reply…

Hearts stood in the balance…as the multitudes held their breath…

With confidence in who had asked, they spoke up without delay…

“That our eyes may be opened, that’s all we ask of thee.”

Jesus full of compassion granted their request immediately...

Eyes healed, hearts set free, they followed gratefully…

Having eyes to see we may not see, but blind we recognize, who it is that’s passing by… in the multitude today.

Can you see? Do you not know?

Jesus is standing still, waiting for thee!

 Matthew 20:30-34King James Version (KJV)
30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. 

Be Still

 

BE STILL

Be, still!
When life gets out of control
Around the treadmill you go…
Running; no time to stop and smell roses
That’s a dream for people with noses…
Busy traffic, people rushing about
No time to visit, I really can’t see
Where we’re all going especially me
Kids in daycare, sports and such
No time to think, I don’t need much…

‘Be Still…’

What? What’s that you say?
As I fly out the door day after day.
I’ve got a deadline time can’t wait
Furiously ranting I fly past the gate
The race of life never ends or stays still
If I don’t run, who else will
It’s all on me, can’t you see what I mean…
Be still; what a joke, I will run til I croak…

STOP! BE STILL!
Are you kidding me?

‘Be still…and see the salvation of the Lord…
There’s rest for the weary, bought in His blood
On the outskirts of town called Golgotha’s hill.
Stop the rat race…there’s rest for you here…
If you’ll only take time, to simply, be still.

2 Chronicles 20:16-18Living Bible (TLB)

16 Tomorrow, go down and attack them! You will find them coming up the slopes of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem! Don’t be afraid or discouraged! Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!’”

18 Then King Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord.
 

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Isaiah 61:3King James Version (KJV)
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Beauty for Ashes

From ashes to ashes and dust to dust

God brings new life and rest to us

Open your heart and let him in

A precious jewel you are to him…

Out of the ashes, beauty shall rise

No fear or disgrace all humanness dies

Into the presence of the glorious King

Songs of redemption…our soul doth sing…

Ashes fall and cover the hill

God is faithful child, just stand still…

Victory is heard around the throne

One day you’ll see him, may not be long…

Until that day…bury the ashes, blow the dust away

Risen, in beauty there’s no decay

Ashes, ashes, go away…

Beauty for ashes…is yours today!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill 2/11/16©

God is Faithful

 

  

God is Faithful

Father I feel as if I’m in a desert place…
Alone
I look out over the desert and all I see, is sand…
Sitting within my tent, I no longer stand
My tongue grows thick in want of water…I drink
But it does not satisfy
I thirst…
Not for natural water, no
The water only you provide, my soul longs for…
I’m crying out to you my God, as never before…
Open the door…let your water flow…
I cry for mankind…I cry for war to end…
I cry, let new life begin…
Lord many times you went into the desert
Alone to pray…
Far from the noise
To hear from your Father, what he had to say…
I’m waiting…before you…
I’m thirsty, I’m hungry, and I’m ready…
Fill me with more of you…
This I pray…

 

By: Marla Shaw O'Neill 2/11/2016©

 

Psalm 91-Protection

 

Psalm 91New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 91

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

The Language of Heaven

 

The Language of Heaven

Can you hear? Can you see? Do you understand?

God's word is, His word, from heaven...living in us, through his Son!

Your word is warmth; like the sun in Summertime

Your word is life; bringing forth new birth

Your word is light; chasing away the darkness

Your word is health; restoring body and soul

Your word is wisdom; ancient and holy

Your word is Jesus; the first and the last

Endures forever

Never returns void

Accomplishes its tasks

 

Is a sword...

Your word is, eternal

You are the word…

Your word is the language of heaven.

 

1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Reveals Heaven to Us

The Kingdom of God

The word of God, is Heaven’s word
A language only His children have heard
Types and shadows, cloak what’s said
Revealed to the living not the dead…
Ears that hear and eyes that see…
Light is given unto thee…
In the crowd, pressed about…
Still the Shepherd’s words cry out…
Children of heaven, walk with him…
Love is the language given them…
His Kingdom is not of this world, he said…
Open your heart to hear when it’s read
We’re citizens of heaven…this you must heed
The language of heaven… is all that you need…
The kingdom of God is where he leads…
Open your ears to hear, Open your eyes and see…
Heaven is inside both you and me…
When blood bought and washed, by the living word,
We are the ones, called the good seed.

Matthew 13: 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Somedays You Just Need to Cry

Some Days You Just Need To Cry…


A spanking at my birth, to help make me cry

Often I have wondered, why oh why?
From falling down at play,

While others stop and stare,

Mommy says to dry it up

With quivering lip I obey...

Growing to adulthood, I will sometimes cry...
Don't ask me to tell you…I can't explain why
Happy tears, sad tears, tears shed just because
Life gets difficult when there’s no applause…
Laugh and the world laughs with you…
Cry and you cry alone…
Some days you just need to cry…

Let those tears fall... 

A broken spirit dry’s the bones…

But a merry heart will make you strong...
Jesus wept…we all will weep…before the day is gone…
Crying is not a bad thing…it simply helps us cope…
Tears to bring us release, tears to hope...
None of us wants sad tears…sometimes our eyes just leak…
But those who cry shall reap in joy, the humble, the contrite, the meek…

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill January 20, 2016©

The Secret

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3

The Secret
Shhhh…
I have a little secret…
I can’t tell you though
I’m thrilled to overflowing; I just wanted you to know…
My heart is smiling, from my head down to my toes…
Oh it’s the greatest news,
But for now you’ll have to wait…
Joy has come to fill my heart…
It started just today…
If you knew my secret
You’d jump with glee for me
To see the joy I have inside is joy I cannot hide…
Father God in heaven
Always keeps His word
He gives us joy for mourning
The song of a little bird…
Sweet life is flowing and forever remains
A little more time, then I will explain
He’s sending His blessing; Come on let it rain…
Be patient, be kind…and soon you will hear
Shhhh…I can’t tell you…but let me whisper in your ear…
No, no, I mustn’t…
I have to be strong, until…
I’m given the word…and then I will…
Tell you my secret, my secret reveal…
By Marla Shaw O’Neill January 15, 2016©

The Shadow of God

 

 

 

Psalm 91

The Shadow of God

Hidden beneath His shadow
Nothing shall I fear
Though ten thousand arrows compass me about
Let them hear the victory shout…
Lions roar…
Beast, trample at my feet
God is my refuge; His enemy defeat…
Ten thousand upon ten thousand shall fall at his command
Nothing shall move me, on His rock I stand…
Who is stronger than my God?
Not beast, nor evil nor sword…
In Him I live and place my trust…
God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Ghost…
I will not walk in darkness, or fear ocean waves…
For God has given me His strength, I’ll stand true and brave…
His angel beings dispatched, warring closely by my side…
Stand back you serpents, He’s reversed, the seas, untamed tide…
Light, dispels the darkness you have no place to hide….
I know His name and He knows mine…
I honor Him, He’s lifted high
Long life He gives
Salvation free
Thank God almighty, I walk with thee!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill January 14, 2016©

The Seed is the Word of God

 Tiny Seed
Digging
In my garden
The earth beneath me, I breathe
Fresh in the morning sunlight
Life is what I see…
In the ground I notice, one lonely, tiny, seed
I cover it up gently
And water it with care…
Whatever you become, I will gladly share
Days come and go
Rain and sunshine follow
When I return to my garden
A tender tree I see
It grows into a mighty oak
In my old age, it comforts me with shade
Tiny seed I never knew
What a blessing you would be
The seed I planted long ago
Has given more to me…
Than I could ever hope or think
You grew there in my garden
How could something so delicate and small
Reach toward heaven, branches broad and tall
Strong and true your roots grow deep
Thank you little seed for making life complete.

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill January 13, 2016©

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luke 8:11New King James Version (NKJV)

Thank God for Tribulations

Inspired by my youngest son Jonathan Liverio-He overcame and is living his dream!

Thank God for Tribulations

When you want to scream
Praise
When you’re down in the pit
Raise
Your voice and be full of joy
Easier said than done
Open your eyes and you’ll see the son
When head bows low, heart sinks beneath the flow
The pain, of guilt and shame…
Holds you in a death grip of sorrow and woe…
Break out of the tomb and into the light
Sing; rejoice for this is right…
Tribulation works patience
And patience, experience
Experience, hope
Hope makes us not ashamed
God gives us His strength
In Jesus name…
Praise God for tribulations…

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill January 12, 2016©

Romans 5:3-6
5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
 

Abba U and I Dance

 

 

 Abba U and I Dance

Abba…Daddy…

I call to thee...

Gentle giant, tender and sweet

Bending low, you kiss my cheek

Center of the ballroom, we begin to dance

You bow, I curtsy, and the music begins

Gliding across the floor we spin,

Like two sparrows on a summers wind

The joys of a tiny heart, may it never end

A girl of seven, her dreams complete

In the arms of Abba…life is sweet

Twirling and swirling to the music’s heartbeat

We dance, we dance, we dance…

You lead, I follow…as life should always be…

Precious Abba, you and me…

Dance!

By: Marla Shaw O’Neill January 5, 2016©

The Hebrew word means to “spin around under violent emotion,” or basically to dance. So Zep 3:17 is more accurately translated as, “Yahuwah your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His Love,
He will dance over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17