*This poem was originally published in the December 1970 issue.

The Quest (Matt. 2:1-11)

With glowing light the dawn doth break

O’er yonder hills; And in its wake

Majestically the sun doth rise

Casting its rays o’er land and skies.

The city stirs from slumber deep Jerusalem rouses, wakes from sleep

And soon the tread of busy feet

Are hastening on, in every street.

The cry of vendors everywhere

Sound loud and shrill on the morning air.

The busy marts are opened wide

And shoppers throng on every side.

The Roman soldiers tread their pace

To keep their watch o’er the Hebrew race

From tower and portal they closely guard

The royal city, with power of sword.

And on the throne sits Esau’s son

Herod, the vile, the crafty one,

He rules with pride o’er Israel’s race,

Contemptuous scorn upon his face.

And in yon temple, shining bright

‘Neath eastern sky, in sun’s pure light

Sit learned Pharisee and scribe

And haughty priest, from Levi’s tribe.

Clad in long robes and garments fair

They spend much time in lengthy prayer.

They love the greeting in the mart

And crave men’s honor, from the heart.

Upon this scene did come one day

A caravan from far away.

Their trappings rich were wrought with gold

A splendor glorious to behold.

They came from eastern land afar

Compelled by God, led by a star.

These learned men and lustrious sages

Had studied long from history’s pages.

The heavens and all its starry frame

Proclaimed aloud God’s glorious name

But of God’s Gracious Saving Love

They did not read in the heavens above.

Nay!  History’s pages did declare

Of all His tender love and care

His mighty power and glorious worth

Was lauded far throughout the earth.

A compassionate God His people saves

While they are laboring as slaves

With mighty power He overthrows

A wicked Pharaoh and all their foes.

With cloudy pillar He led by day

His people safely on the way

And with a fiery pillar of light

He led them through the darkest night.

Sihon, the Amorite king they slew

And Og, the king of Bashan, too

Jordan’s waters stood as a wall

And Jericho’s walls did crumble and fall.

Thus they were led to the promised land

In infinite love, by God’s own hand.

For God is not a man; He repenteth not.

And it was said of Israel; what hath God wrought?

Yea! When the enemy endeavored to curse

God caused the enchanter to utter this verse

In Jacob I behold not iniquity

Nor perverseness in Israel I see.

In exultation they shall sing

For among them is the shout of a King

Yea! A star in Jacob shall appear

And a scepter rule both far and near.

And now, the Magi have come to bring

Homage to Israel’s newborn King.

For God mysteriously did impart

Salvation’s message to their heart.

They quest from busy passers-by

Where is He born? Thy King most high?

In eastern sky we have seen His star

And have come to worship and adore.

But!  All Jerusalem is troubled at their quest

And Herod is shaken, and sore distressed.

He urgently demands from chief priest and scribe

Where must Christ be born!  Of royal tribe?

And they answered and said unto him

In the land of Judea, in Bethlehem.

For thus it was written of David’s town

Thou art Bethlehem Judah of great renown.

Thou art not least, for from thee shall come forth

A might Governor by glorious worth.

He shall rule o’er my people Israel

As long ago the prophets did foretell.

Then Herod bade the wisemen come

To commune in private, in his home.

Diligently he enquired about the Star

What time it appeared in land afar.

Then craftily saying, “God search for Him

In the land of Judea in Bethlehem

And when ye have found Him, let me know

That I may come and worship also.”

The wise men are puzzled and sad at heart

When they from the palace did depart.

Jerusalem’s indifference seems strange indeed

Why has hope faded for the promised seed?

The shadows have fallen, night is at hand

Sending darkness and gloom o’er all the land

The day is now spend; their quest unfulfilled

Their thoughts are confused; their voices are stilled.

When lo!  The Star of the east so bright

Shedding its rays of wondrous light

Doth go before them, leading them on

To where the child was; The promised One.

Their joy is unbounded.  Their faith is restored

Their hearts leap up in praise to the Lord

They hasten their step, till they come to the place

Where they had been led by the God of all grace.

They entered and saw the young little child

And Mary His mother, so meek and so mild.

They bowed down before Him and worshipped Him there

Presenting their gifts so rich and so rare.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh

Precious treasures from bounteous store

With humble hearts they have come to adore

The King of Kings; Who reigns evermore.

O! Gentile Christian, do you understand?

These noble men from far off land

Were your substitutes of worth

Representing you at Jesus’ birth.

They are the first fruits of the Gentile world

God’s gospel banner stands unfurled

He elects from all nations, peoples and race

Choosing as His own, in boundless grace.

Come kneel down before Him and worship Him now

In holy adoration, in lowliness bow

To Jesus our Saviour, our Lord and our King

In grateful acclaim His praises sing.

“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people, henceforth even forever”. Psalm 125:2

San Gorgonia to the east, and Mt. Baldy towards the west.

Out north the San Bernardino range, and south the canyon crest

Serenely secure the valley lies, within these granite walls

While gently wafted on the air, this Sabbath anthem falls.

As round about Jerusalem, the mountains give defense

Jehovah is His people’s guard, their lasting confidence.

O Thou who art Thy people’s shield, their helper and their guide

Upon them let Thy grace and peace, Forevermore abide.

How good, how true our God has been these many, many years.

In love and grace upholding us, calming all our fears.

For we were troubled and distressed, under censure burdened down.

Yet within our hearts we knew, that we had done no wrong.

The preaching also bothered us, T’was not like days of old.

When truly Calvinistic men, scriptures treasures did unfold.

Salvation wrought by God alone, is not what we did hear.

But sinful man by his own power, must unto God draw near.

T’was then God stirred the heart of Brother Vander Wall, to Rev. Hoeksema to write.

And tell him all about our needs, the sad story of our plight.

This call for help was answered soon, the beloved Brother came.

And opened scripture unto us, its glorious truths proclaiming in God’s name.

The following days were most eventful days indeed

As Rev. Hoeksema lectured unto us, fulfilling all our need.

T’was then we fully realized, how starved we had become.

As our languishing spirits responded to the theme, Salvation is from God alone.

In sovereign elective grace, ere heaven and earth were framed,

In God’s eternal counsel, His chosen ones were named.

Tis only His good pleasure, and by no merits of our own.

Salvation is in mercy given. It comes from God alone.

He gave His only begotten Son, who died on Calvary

Took on Himself our sin and guilt, and bore it all away.

We drank it all in as thirsting weary souls.

This glorious gospel, God our God, Our blessed all in all.

Yes truly God has greatly blessed us these 50 long years.

In love and grace upholding us, calming all our fears.

Nourishing and leading us in the green pastures of His word.

The precious truths of sovereign grace and tender mercies of our Lord.

And now we are gathered here in this edifice so grand.

Erected by laborious toil, with many a helping hand.

Under direction of Brother Joostens, truly an artist in his trade.

Until it all was completed, the final touches made.

It is the Lord who led and prospered us, until it was complete.

May we with grateful hearts, humbly worship at His feet.

And may we ever in this beautiful house of prayer

Praise and adore Him, for all His tender love and care.

We know not what the future holds or where our way will lead.

Will we hold fast our precious heritage? And to God’s word give heed?

Look up unto those lofty hills, Majestic, immovable, secure.

Symbolic of Almighty God, the eternal I AM, His word is ever sure.

“To the hills I lift my eyes. Whence shall help for me arise?

From the Lord shall come my aid. Who the heaven and earth has made.

He will guide through dangers all. Will not suffer thee to fall.

He who safe His people keeps; Slumbers not and never sleeps.”

In the stillness of the night

Radiating glory of heavenly light

An angel of the Lord appeared

Unto lowly shepherds; who greatly feared.

They stand in awe as the angels’ voice

Bids their trembling hearts rejoice

Good news I bring, of tidings glad

No longer let your hearts be sad.

Then, suddenly, melodious and clear

A song is wafted on the air

In joyous tones the heavenly strain

Is echoed far in sweet refrain.

Glory to God in highest heaven

And Peace upon the earth is given.

Reverberating o’er and o’er again

Peace on the earth; Good Will toward men.

What does this mean?  Peace on the Earth

When in my heart there is no mirth.

Sadness and Misery are my lot

Sin clings to me as a leprous blot.

The prophet’s words fall on my ear.

O! if ye my command would hear

Then thy righteousness had been as the waves of the sea

And thy Peace, as a river flowing free.

Isaiah 48:18

Again the prophet’s voice does speak.

The way of Peace they do not seek

From crooked paths they do not cease

Who goeth therein, shall not know Peace.

Isaiah. 59:8

O, why art thou cast down my soul?

While waves and billow’s o’er thee roll

In the day His loving kindness is with thee

And in the night His song shall be with me.

Yea; I hear the echoes of that song

Thrilled on the air by an angel throng

And I hear the angel speak again

Your Savior was born in Bethlehem.

He came to do God’s Holy Will

To perfectly His law fulfill.

Took on Himself, my curse and death

To bring good will and Peace on earth.

He entered into my deepest shame

To restore all honor to God’s name.

He sank into the lowest hell

There the dragon’s head to fell.

And now when storms toss o’er my soul

Or high the waves and billows roll

He commands the sea, obey His will

And bids the tumult, Peace, be still.

Luke 8:24

His parting words fall on my ear

Let not your hearts be troubled, do not fear

Though in this world tribulations ye shall bear

Peace I give to thee; My Peace I leave with thee.

John 14:1 John 16:33

And when triumphant from the grave He rose

Victorious over all His foes

The doors being shut for fear of the Jew

He stood in their midst saying, Peace be unto you.

And when into the heavens they did gaze

His hands in blessing He did raise

In graciousness His face did shine

Lifted up His countenance divine

To give thee Peace.

Numbers 6:24, 25, 26

Eye hath not seen; Ear hath not heard,

Nor has it ever in man’s thoughts occurred,

The glories that await in heaven above

Prepared for God’s saints, in merciful love.

There creatures of loveliest heavenly grace

Fall down in worship before God’s face.

They sing of His glory, power and might

Blessing Him ever in the heavenly height.

Ministering Angels of God are they

Forever willing to serve Him each day.

They are eager to behold the eternal plan,

That God did prepare for Salvation of man.

Coming as messengers from heaven above,

To proclaim to Abraham this word of love,

That a son shall be born to this Patriarch of old.

And through this promise, salvation’s plan shall unfold.

All peoples through Abraham’s seed shall be blest.

Thus to enter into the haven of rest.

Again to Isaac and to Israel

Of this glorious promise they did tell

To David also, and the prophets too;

This same message was brought anew.

But then there is silence, for many a year.

The angels in glory, to God’s throne draw near;

Awaiting His bidding, to go once again

Fulfillment of promise to proclaim.

Then Gabriel, the archangel, so glorious and grand,

Who in the presence of God does stand,

Was seen in the temple, at the time of prayer

When Zacharias the Priest, was serving there.

Fear not Zacharias for I bring you this word,

That God in heaven your prayer has heard.

Your wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son.

He brings joy and gladness; His name shall be John.

He shall be great in the sight of the Lord.

And make ready a people prepared for the Lord —

Proclaiming God’s Word, He goes before,

In the Spirit and power of Elias of yore.

Once more the Angel Gabriel was sent to earth,

To announce to a virgin of royal birth,

That she most blessed of women would be

For highly favored of God was she.

In her, God’s word would be fulfilled

She would bring forth the promised child

The greatest of miracles; For not by will of man,

But by God’s power, according to His Plan.

Then with Joseph, her espoused, they went to Bethlehem.

But for them, there was found no room in the inn.

Thus in a stable she brought forth her son,

Wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger laid Him down.

Thus step by step, the Angels watch God’s plan unfold

And gaze in awesome wonder to behold

Fulfilment of God’s gracious everlasting plan,

By giving His own son, for salvation of man.

And Lo! to lowly shepherds, keeping watch o’er their flocks by night.

The Angel of the Lord appears, radiating heavenly light.

God’s glory shining round about, in many rainbow hues

Through everlasting covenant love, those blessed rays diffuse.

The Angel speaks in silvery accents clear

And gentle tones: Oh Shepherds, do not fear.

For good tidings of great joy I bring to thee,

Which to all peoples on the earth shall be.

Your Savior was horn in Bethlehem town.

He is Christ the Lord; And this is the sign,

In straddling clothes ye shall find the Babe

In a cattle stall, and in a manger laid.

Then suddenly the light spreads far and near

In waves of color, bold, deep, and clear

And a multitude of heavenly hosts appear,

Their voices blending on the midnight air.

In harmonious tones their golden voices swell

In glorious song, their Praise to God to tell.

Glory to God on high, and Peace unto the earth,

To men of His good pleasure and of priceless worth.

And, as the shepherds gazed on high

The many hues are slowly fading from the sky.

The melodious song, with echoes soft is stilled.

While the shepherds’ hearts with heavenly bliss are filled.

They go in haste to see this wondrous thing

That God has wrought, and of which angels sing,

Praising God on high, and spreading forth the word

Of all the wondrous things which they had seen and heard.

Have you heard that song, and seen the blessed Lord,

Upon this Christmas Day? Has your heart been stirred

To echo forth in praise, unto your God on high?

Did you kneel down in prayer, and unto Him draw nigh

In lowliness of heart, in thankfulness to raise

Unto His glorious name, a blessed song of praise?

The night was cold and chill

Enveloped in darkness was the hill

Where lowly shepherds tired and worn

Guarded their sheep until the morn

Should break; and send its light

To take away the shades of night

Sad and forlorn was Israel’s plight

O’er whelmed by sin’s dark dismal night

Sin laden souls weary and worn

Hopelessly waiting for the morn

To break; and send its light

To take away the gloom of night.

The prophet’s voice has long been still

No sacrifice on holy hill

The royal line has passed away

And evil powers hold their sway.

The way is dark and void of light

Oh God! we perish in the night.

Then suddenly the light does break

At sight of which the shepherds quake.

For sinful man cannot endure

Heaven’s radiant light so clear so pure.

They cast themselves in fear that night

Before God’s flaming holy light.

But Hark! The angel doth proclaim

A joyful message in God’s name.

Fear not Oh shepherds, Light has come

To take away your deepest gloom.

God’s promise given long ago

Delivers you from all your woe.

A virgin left from royal line

O’er shadowed by a power Divine

Submissive to God’s holy will

Has now brought forth Emanuel.

What was not possible with man

Was ever in God’s holy plan.

He sends into our darkest night

His love and rays of glorious light.

Rejoice, for unto you is born

Your savior on this glad and glorious morn.

He comes God’s purpose to fulfill.

Obedient to His holy will,

He cleanses you from sin and shame

And lifts you up to heavenly fame.

O give Hm thanks Who sent His Son

The pure and spotless Holy One

The Dayspring from on high Who brings eternal day

An takes fore’er our night of sin away.

Originally Published in:

Vol. 31 No. 8 December 1971

(Matt. 2:1-11)
With glowing light the dawn doth break
O’er yonder hills; And in its wake
Majestically the sun doth rise
Casting its rays o’er land and skies.

The city stirs from slumber deep Jerusalem rouses, wakes from sleep
And soon the tread of busy feet
Are hastening on, in every street.

The cry of vendors everywhere
Sound loud and shrill on the morning air.
The busy marts are opened wide
And shoppers throng on every side.

The Roman soldiers tread their pace
To keep their watch o’er the Hebrew race
From tower and portal they closely guard
The royal city, with power of sword.

And on the throne sits Esau’s son
Herod, the vile, the crafty one,
He rules with pride o’er Israel’s race,
Contemptuous scorn upon his face.

And in yon temple, shining bright
‘Neath eastern sky, in sun’s pure light
Sit learned Pharisee and scribe
And haughty priest, from Levi’s tribe.

Clad in long robes and garments fair
They spend much time in lengthy prayer.
They love the greeting in the mart
And crave men’s honor, from the heart.

Upon this scene did come one day
A caravan from far away.
Their trappings rich were wrought with gold
A splendor glorious to behold.

They came from eastern land afar
Compelled by God, led by a star.
These learned men and lustrious sages
Had studied long from history’s pages.

The heavens and all its starry frame
Proclaimed aloud God’s glorious name
But of God’s Gracious Saving Love
They did not read in the heavens above.

Nay! History’s pages did declare
Of all His tender love and care
His mighty power and glorious worth
Was lauded far throughout the earth.

A compassionate God His people saves
While they are laboring as slaves
With mighty power He overthrows
A wicked Pharaoh and all their foes.

With cloudy pillar He led by day
His people safely on the way
And with a fiery pillar of light
He led them through the darkest night.

Sihon, the Amorite king they slew
And Og, the king of Bashan, too
Jordan’s waters stood as a wall
And Jericho’s walls did crumble and fall.

Thus they were led to the promised land
In infinite love, by God’s own hand.
For God is not a man; He repenteth not.
And it was said of Israel; what hath God wrought?

Yea! When the enemy endeavored to curse
God caused the enchanter to utter this verse
In Jacob I behold not iniquity
Nor perverseness in Israel I see.

In exultation they shall sing
For among them is the shout of a King
Yea! A star in Jacob shall appear
And a scepter rule both far and near.

And now, the Magi have come to bring
Homage to Israel’s newborn King.
For God mysteriously did impart
Salvation’s message to their heart.

They quest from busy passers-by
Where is He born? Thy King most high?
In eastern sky we have seen His star
And have come to worship and adore.

But! All Jerusalem is troubled at their quest
And Herod is shaken, and sore distressed.
He urgently demands from chief priest and scribe
Where must Christ be born! Of royal tribe?

And they answered and said unto him
In the land of Judea, in Bethlehem.
For thus it was written of David’s town
Thou art Bethlehem Judah of great renown.

Thou art not least, for from thee shall come forth
A might Governor by glorious worth.
He shall rule o’er my people Israel
As long ago the prophets did foretell.

Then Herod bade the wisemen come
To commune in private, in his home.
Diligently he enquired about the Star
What time it appeared in land afar.

Then craftily saying, “God search for Him
In the land of Judea in Bethlehem
And when ye have found Him, let me know
That I may come and worship also.”

The wise men are puzzled and sad at heart
When they from the palace did depart.
Jerusalem’s indifference seems strange indeed
Why has hope faded for the promised seed?

The shadows have fallen, night is at hand
Sending darkness and gloom o’er all the land
The day is now spend; their quest unfulfilled
Their thoughts are confused; their voices are stilled.

When lo! The Star of the east so bright
Shedding its rays of wondrous light
Doth go before them, leading them on
To where the child was; The promised One.
Their joy is unbounded. Their faith is restored
Their hearts leap up in praise to the Lord
They hasten their step, till they come to the place
Where they had been led by the God of all grace.

They entered and saw the young little child
And Mary His mother, so meek and so mild.
They bowed down before Him and worshipped Him there
Presenting their gifts so rich and so rare.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh
Precious treasures from bounteous store
With humble hearts they have come to adore
The King of Kings; Who reigns evermore.

O! Gentile Christian, do you understand?
These noble men from far off land
Were your substitutes of worth
Representing you at Jesus’ birth.

They are the first fruits of the Gentile world
God’s gospel banner stands unfurled
He elects from all nations, peoples and race
Choosing as His own, in boundless grace.

Come kneel down before Him and worship Him now
In holy adoration, in lowliness bow
To Jesus our Saviour, our Lord and our King
In grateful acclaim His praises sing.

Originally Published in:
Vol. 30 No 8 December 1970

Weary, heavy laden and utterly perplexed,
With hopes all shattered and hearts sore vexed,
Busily conversing as they travel along
To the village of Emmaus, about sixty furlong,
While communing and reasoning about the events of the day.
Behold! Jesus draws near and joins them on the way.
But their eyes were holden and they knew not him,
For their hearts were troubled and their faith was dim.

What manner of communications are these and why are ye sad?
Is not this the day in which to be glad?
Ah! Art thou a stranger? And dost thou not know
The things that have happened to fill our hearts with woe?
And he said, “What things?” I pray of thee declare.
Why are ye sad, and why so burdened with care?

The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth; Hast thou not heard?
He was a prophet before God and man, mighty in deed and word.
And the chief priests and our rulers have delivered him
To be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
But we had trusted that it was He
Who should redeem Israel and set us free.

And certain women have astonished us more
Who went early to the sepulcher’s door.
And finding not His body, they did declare
That they saw a vision of angels there
Sent from heaven above, and unto them said
That Jesus was risen from the dead.

Then certain of our brethren in haste did go
To the sepulchre’s door, and found it even so.
But earnestly seeking in the tomb so dim
They visioned neither angels, nor did they see Him.

And then He said: O Fools! And slow of heart
To believe all that the prophets did impart.
Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things?
Must not He the supreme sacrifice bring?
And then into glory to enter in,
Forever with His people to reign?

Now come with me to the dawn of history
Where God first revealed the eternal mystery.
When man fell in sin; God’s command did not heed.
But Jehovah in mercy did promise the seed
Which in fierce struggle would wrest from the dead
His people and crush Satan’s head.

And now let us to Egypt, unto Pharaoh go.
Who in defiance said, “The Lord I do not know.
So why should I the voice of Israel’s God obey
And free the people to journey in the way?”

Then God in wrath His judgments sent on them,
And plagued them time and time again.
Until at last, in that dread midnight hour,
Death’s cold blast their very choicest did devour.

And when death’s angel entered Goshen’s land
There to strike down with a relentless hand
Man born in sin. He saw a sight so rare
For blood was stricken on the door posts there.

It was the blood of the Lamb, the pure, the spotless one,
Whose blood was shed to cover all their sin.
Its precious value none can e’er deny.
Death’s Angel saw! And lo! He passed them by.

Now hearken to the Psalmist as he sings
His sad and mournful song that only misery brings.
He sees the suffering Christ as He moans in agony
And cries my God, Oh Why has Thou forsaken me?
Yea mournfully he signs; I am a worm and not a man,
Despised among the people and rejected men.

They shake their heads in scorn, and sneer at me in glee
He trusted in the Lord. Let Him now set him free!”
My feet and hands they pierced, and in their wicket plot
My garments they did part, and on m y vesture cast the lot.

Thus in prophetic song the Psalmist sings.
As he to Israel the message of Salvation brings.
Let us also to the prophet Isaiah give heed
As he pictures God’s people in their crying need
For Salvation and release from sin,
Revealing Israel’s Redeemer: The Lamb that was slain.

He was despised, rejected, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief
Stricken, smitten, oppressed and afflicted. He found no relief.
As a lamb that opens not its mouth;
To the slaughter He was brought.
As a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so His mouth he openeth not.

He was taken from prison and judgment.
His generation who can declare?
For He was cut off from the living
For the transgression of a people in despair.

His grave was with the wicked, with the rich in His death
Because He had done no violence; nor was deceit in His mouth.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him,
And to put Him to grief.
To make His soul an offering for sin,
And send His people relief.

He shall see the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.
For he bore the iniquities of them all;
And many shall be justified.

Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great.
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong
Because He hath poured out His soul unto death
Therefore His days will I prolong.
And again, give heed to the voice crying in the wilderness;
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Repent! O Israel! Return ye with one accord.
Make straight His path, The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Thus John the Baptist proclaimed his message throughout the land.

And when he saw Jesus coming the very next day.
He said, “Behold!” The Lamb of God.
That taketh the sins of the world away.

Thus Jesus taught them, as on their journey they went,
Until the entered the village, when the day was far spent.
And they constrained Him, “Come abide with us here.”
So He entered in to tarry with them there.

And it came to pass as they sat at meat
That He took the bread, blessed it, brake it, and gave them to eat.
Then their eyes were opened, and they knew Him
As the Lamb that was slain; He was revealed unto them.
And when their souls had entered the light
He vanished from their vision and out of their sight.

He liveth, He has conquered, He is risen from the dead,
And is entered into glory, as our eternal Covenant Head.
He wears the Victor’s crown, and rules o’er all the earth.
His people are Redeemed. Oh, praise His matchless worth.

And when at last in His face,
We shall behold “The Eternal I Am
Ah, then we’ll sing for e’er
The song of Moses and the Lamb.

Originally Published in:
Vol. 30 No 2 April 1970

ED. NOTE: For many years no event in our church at Redlands, California has been without the inspiring poetry of Miss Sue Porte. Here we wish to share her thoughts with you.

In the springtime of the year
Gentle breezes stir the air
Flowers bloom in grand array
Songbirds trill their love songs gay,
Tiny leaflets on the trees
Wafting gently in the breeze,
All nature bursting forth to raise
To God on high a song of praise.

For stalwart youth and maiden fair,
Life’s springtime blooms without a care.
Their hearts are gay; their hopes are high,
They tread life’s path without a sigh.
They pledge their troth and take their vows
On bended knee in God’s own house,
For God in grace, their God Most High
Did spread His rainbow in the sky.

In summertime birds cease their song
To chirp and flutter all day long,
Twittering, hopping everywhere
For nestlings need their constant care.
There are so many mouths to feed,
But heavenly Father knows their need.
He hears their crying, heeds their call,
Is mindful of each sparrow’s fall.

Life’s summertime brings many a care
To loving faithful wedded pair.
With children, God their home doth bless,
Bringing delight and happiness,
Though often care and some distress.
They must be nurtured, fed and dressed,
And also taught of God’s great love,
Whose rainbow spans the heavens above.

In autumn days the birds do fly,
Winging southward, soaring high.
God steers their course on journey bold,
Bidding them flee from winter’s cold,
Softly rustling in the breeze,
The frost has tinted leafy trees
In brilliant hues and colors fair,
So like the rainbow in the air.

With life’s autumn changes come,
Children, wedded, leave the home.
Now alone they must prepare
For old age, which comes so sure.
Steadily they onward plod
Trusting ever in their God,
For God’s promises endure
His rainbow shines forever more.

Now winter’s cold is in the air,
The lofty trees stand stark and bare.
The song of birds is heard no more,
They’re sheltered safe on other shore.
Storming wildly, winds do blow,
Bringing cold and ice and snow.
And when the earth lies clad in white,
And sunbeams break the prism of light
Like sparkling diamonds of great price
In rainbow hues shine snow and ice.

Life’s wintertime is harsh and bare,
Life’s pleasures fade for married pair.
In feebleness they tread their way,
Trusting in God, their help and stay.
On Calvary’s cross they fondly gaze,
Where love breaks through in warmest rays,
There mercy and God’s justice meet,
To make Salvation’s work complete.
His glorious promises of yore
In myriad hues glow ever more.

And when in death their eyes they close,
To rest in peace and sweet repose,
They’ll open them on yonder shore,
To gaze in wonder and adore,
Beholding Him in pure delight,
Who sits enthroned with power and might
In glorious splendor of dazzling light,
Fused with myriad colors bright.
For a rainbow circles ‘round the throne;
Of Jesus the Savior, God’s Own Son.

Originally Published in:
Vol. 29 No. 10 February 1970