POEMS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR
                    by
       MARIANNE DORMAN

        ADVENT
        EXPECTATION

MARY LET US FOLLOW YOU
AND WAIT IN EXPECTATION,
FOR THE COMING OF THE SAVIOUR
WHO HERALDS OUR SALVATION.

MARY LET US FOLLOW YOU
AND LEARN THE DISCIPLE'S WAY,
TO DISCERN THE WORD OF GOD
AND PONDER IT IN OUR HEARTS.

THEN LIKE MARY WE SHALL KNOW
THAT WE MUST LIVE EACH DAY,
​DURING  OUR ADVENT TIME
PRAYING FOR THE CHRISTMAS GIFT.


.In 
                  WATCH 

   Watch! You bid me
   for every minute,
   for every day. 
   to await Your return.
   Maranatha.

   What if you find me asleep?
   Especially in that sleep of sin
   neglecting to  love and give
   without ever counting the cost.
   Maranatha. 

   Awake! Awake!
   Arise and learn of My way,
   this holy Advent-tide
   who for redemption of all
   I came.


Climb to my holy mountain
  and view my world
  fractured by violence and hate,
  motivated by indifference and  selfishness.
  Come.

  What can I do? 
  Bring My words of love and  peace,
  To shine in this darkened world
  and illuminate the path of many.
  Come, Lord come!
        

REPENTANCE
Repent! Repent!
My message is clear,
Seek forgiveness of sins 
in the waters of Jordan.

Arise! Arise!
A new person be.
 Follow the Law,
Love your Lord.

One mightier will come
His messenger I am.
To prepare the way 
for the Lamb of God.


Marianne Dorman


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A VOICE CALLING
The other side of the Jordan, 
a desolate and lonely place.
No place too remote 
for the enquiring mind.

Last of the prophets crying,
Change your mind; 
change your ways.
Think about repentance.

Be washed clean of sin,
To live closer to God.
Follow the Law and Prophets
And the One to come.

THE JORDAN
Crossing the Jordan, 
Hebrew children enter 
the Promised Land 
reminiscent of the Reed Sea.

A new beginning it signified, 
taken up later by John.
Be washed in the sacred river 
to change your life-style.

Jesus came too to the Jordan; 
raising His eyes to heaven.
The Father declares His Sonship 
as the Spirit descends.