Wonder-witnesses

Last night I got home after Jim (husband) was sleeping and he got up early to leaveso I got up as well to see him off.then I was wide awake so I settled down for some 'quiet-time'(such as praying for my sister-in-law Karen who is having a hip-replacement surgery today!! prayers valued)but, my quiet-time was soon interrupted by a rathersuspicious rustling, so I set the mouse traps I have been saving for Jim to set, ...then returned to reading and writing (a few minutes ago I heard a 'snap!')The background music and backdrop of poetry is often anything but poetic!! This poem was inspired in part by a conversation this morning (while we waited for the coffee to brew) abouthow it's harder to get the Christmas 'feeling' as we get older...Also in part by my devotion passage from Isa.43.As I read through the chapter I was suddenly so thankfulfor the Christmas 'knowing' which is better foreverthan just a 'feeling'.We, by faith are witnesses of Hope's reason!We are witnesses of wonder! Isa.43:10-11 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord,“And My servant whom I have chosen,That you may know and believe Me,And understand that I am He.Before Me there was no God formed,Nor shall there be after Me.11 I, even I, am the Lord,And besides Me there is no savior. We are witnesses of wonder...He whose Word will never dimCauses earth and sky to thunderWith the evidence of Him... (upstairs window with a screen was my only optionto capture December dusk yesterday)a wonder-evoking beauty in spite of being blocked by buildings We are witnesses of wonderHe whose Word will never dimCauses earth and sky to thunderWith the evidence of HimCauses creation to captureEyes and ears with sight and soundOverflowing hearts with raptureAs both great and small confound We are witnesses of glorySo we may know and believeIn He who fulfilled love's storyHope, joy and peace to achieveHe whose servant-like behaviourPurchased pardon for sin's debtHallelujah, what a SaviourDying in the sinner's stead We are witnesses of promiseOnly faith can apprehendAs we fix our eyes on JesusAnd hope's assurance defendAs we trust the One and OnlyAuthor and Perfecter ofFaith; as His truth cheers the lonelyWith His everlasting love We are witnesses of wonderWhere good tidings of great joyBreak the bars of hell asunderThrough Bethlehem's Baby BoyGlory to God in the highestGlory to the King of kingsGlory to His love unbiasedAnd the hope that Jesus brings He, wounded for our transgression,Bruised for our iniquitiesThrough Calvary's intercessionFulfilled ancient propheciesWe, witnesses of salvationWe, who by His stripes are healedSing with joyful exaltationFor the Lord's pleasure revealed We are witnesses of 'Knowing'What the angels sang aboutOf the love of God bestowingLight to pierce shadows of doubtOf the Word that makes His dwellingIn the likes of you and meWitnesses of Christ's compellingLove for all humanity Janet Martin