This is the second poem in my Advent Devotional book, "Getting Ready for Christmas."

The Advent Wreath

With breakfast over the kids were set
to start helping mother prepare
the first of their decoration
and they did so with the greatest care.

“We will start with an Advent wreath,”
said mother as she sat them down
“it will be like many others have
in churches and houses in our town.”

We’ll put four candles in a circle
three purple or blue and one pink
with a big white one in the center
to symbolize Jesus when we think.

The circle stands for eternity
because it has no beginning or end
just like Jesus’ love is forever
and he will always be our friend.

We’ll start each week with a candle
and light and read scripture and pray
so we can mark our trip to Christmas
as we get closer every day.

We’ll light the pink candle the third week
as we anticipate the great joy
which is coming our direction
when we recall the birth of the boy.

(I will be sharing the poetry of an Advent Devotional book I gave to my congregation this morning. There are several poems in it and I'll share them through the season.

Getting Ready for Christmas

On the way home from Grandma’s house
a big thanksgiving meal consumed
over the river and through the woods
their back seat positions assumed.

Tim and Susie started to talk
about Christmas which was coming soon
and then they broke into singing
their most favorite Christmas tune.

It was time to start decorating
the house with the tree and the lights
and because Santa was watching
they’d have to stop having their fights

“When can we go get a tree?” they asked
their mother who was in the front seat
“and make those good Christmas cookies
and candies that are so very sweet?”

“We’ll do it soon,” mother smiled and said
“but we need to know what we’re doing,
I want you to know what things mean
much more than just for the viewing.”

Dad said there would be a lesson
for each of the things they would do
and they’d know much more about Christmas
before preparations were through.

Thoughts at a Band Concert
By larry r linville

I was in the same room with her again
although I could not see her in the crowd
of over one hundred fifty band members
who were playing their music well and loud.

I could not spot her young friendly face
but my heart swelled to know she was there
skillfully playing her instrument
as she sat on the stage in her chair.

With much talent she participated
in her uniform of crimson and blue
and after I listened for an hour
I was sorry when it was all through.

I thought of the experiences
that so many of us never receive
which will touch her life for so many years
at least that’s what I’m led to believe.

Pride comes in many different forms
and is impossible to explain
but I know it overflows my heart
and sends sweet messages to my brain.

A Soft Spoken Wife
By Larry R Linville

At a funeral of the wife of a friend
the pastor’s sermon was nearing the end.
He said her voice she only once raised
at her husband who gave her much praise.

That time her voice was for his own good
and his safety was what she pursued.
Her message came through loud and clear
and wasn’t meant to cause him to fear.

The pastor said there were many words
that were spoken softly but loudly heard.
Silently she spoke her message of love
just like Jesus speaks love from above.

Silence can be more effective than noise
and all that is said without any poise.
I am so often tempted to shout
and stomp off away so I can pout.

But silence is golden as they have said
when it’s from the heart as well as the head..
What a witness to our world today
to stop shouting and take time to pray.