CRUCIFY HIM by Donna (Ensign) Woods

They didn’t sing, “How Great Thou Art”.
They didn’t parise Him with a joyful heart.
Instead, they screamed, “Crucify Him!!!”
As He prepared to die for all our sin.
Barabas was released from prison, and set free,
But Jesus was led away to die for you and me.
So many laughed, and mocked His name,
As He was nailed to the cross for all sin and shame.
I’m sure He shed a tear or two,
As He prayed to God for me and you.
Jesus prayed for believers to be united as one
As the Father is united with His son.
His love and compassion is so great,
Here in the midst of so much anger and hate.
His beloved Peter denied Him three times that night.
The number of times we’ve denied Him is a terrible sight!
They cast lots for His clothes and mocked Him with sneers
While Mary and the others watched with heart-felt tears.
A King with no jewels to adorn
Only a dirty…bloody crown of thorns!
From the sixth hour until the ninth, the sun refused to shine.
As Jesus died for all sin…theirs, yours and mine…
Close your eyes and feel the awesome power of it…
“Father unto your hands I commit my Spirit.”
We were all there, you and I…
For each of us… He chose to suffer and die.
It doesn’t matter how great or small our sin and shame,
The price He paid for it was still the same.
The sights and sounds of that crucifiction day
Should make us all eager to bow and pray.
The sounds of a nail, being pounded into His hand…
We should still hear it…echo across this land.
Imagine the blood…crimson upon His face
As He hung there…in YOUR place!!!
Joseph took His body to the tomb…His burial place
Later, they found only the cloth, He was gone…without a trace.
Can you imagine their horror and dismay??
They thought someone had stolen their Lord away.
The angel said, He is not here, but do not weep.
Jesus rose from the dead to fulfill the promise to His sheep.
Then, He went to Heaven, to prepare us a place.
Through Baptism, He blesses us with His saving grace.
You are the one He loves and adores…
But, It’s Heaven or Hell, the choice is yours!!!
Imagine…looking into Jesus eyes, as He died for you.
Then search your heart and ask…”WHAT AM I GOING TO DO??”

For Me - By Donna (Ensign) Woods

It was decided that I must die !!
I screamed in terror and began to cry.

I begged for mercy...I begged to live.
A man stepped forward...Said,"I'll forgive."

"I'll give my life to set you free"
Then He hung on a cross...and died for me !!

The Christmas Tree by Donna (Ensign) Woods

The scent of pine fills the air...
Ornaments hung with loving care.
Delicate hues of hand-blown glass
...Keepsakes from the past.
A display of dazzling lights,
To warm the heart on wintery nights.
Decorations crafted by tiny hands,
Glitter and glue and rubber bands.
Shimmering tinsel of silver and gold
Cascading from boughs that gently hold....
The sweet jingle of a Christmas bell,
And a priceless story to tell...
...For deep within this festive display,
Is a reminder, of another day.
A splintered cross...no boughs of green,
No twinkling lights to be seen.
Twisted thorns, in place of tinsel bright
...The Earth trembling on a starless night.
Imagine Christ...hanging on that Christmas tree
His out-stretched arms, for the branches we see.
A satin tree skirt, carefully spread.
For drops of blood from hands and head....
Packages wrapped with holiday flair
A symbol of love He came to share.
From the cradle...to the cross...
He came...even knowing the cost.
As you gather 'round the Christ Child's tree
Look beyond, lighted boughs you see.
Unwrap His gifts of eternal love,
As angels fill the skies above.
Accept His gifts on Christmas morn
...Remembering the reason Christ was born...

I Didn't Thank Him by Donna Ensign Woods

The alarm sounded and I quickly started my day,
I only took a moment to half-heartedly pray.

I didn't thank Him for my physical health,
Or for my job, that gives me comfortable wealth.

I sang no song of worship and praise.
I just walked through the day, in my own selfish ways.

I didn't thank Him for my children today,
And for the wonderous joy they bring my way.

I barely noticed the blue Summer sky,
Or the magnificent wings of a butterfly.

I didn't thank Him for my nice, safe home,
Or for the beautiful sunshine that brightly shone.

No heart-felt words for family and friends,
Or gratitude for the blessings He sends.

I didn't thank Him for the gift of sight...
Or for standing guard over me as I slept last night.

I ate my breakfast and headed for the door
...mumbling, "Why couldn't I work less, and have more ??"

...........On my way to work, I saw a cross on a steeple....
And was reminded of the price, paid for God's people.

He took the punishment, for my failure and sin
...He died for me !!!...and I didn't thank Him !!!!!