Joy of the Lord

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 JOY OF THE LORD So many days to suffer. Lest we forget to be joyful, prepare the meat and indulge in a grapeful of cheer. Let there be chewing and sipping and harmonious chatter and laughter. Slather butter on fresh bread, or soak the bread with the gladness of gravy. Unite. As we indulge, let us give thanks due to the King. In our presence He smiles. At the light of our eyes He sings. We know why we gather, what brings us together. That great hope that links all nations to One. We have no need to snap the wishbone, for ours is not a wishing faith — it is much more, for glory resides in holy communion, the communion of saints. The dew of heaven and honey of goodness satisfy and slake the dregs of suffering not our ultimate fate. There are plenty of days to look downcast, to suffer our lot, but a feast day is one to raise a golden chalice, to ring sleigh bells, to string pearls that light up the gates. Heaven rejoices with us, the angels clap their wings, adorned with haloes of vision for the upcoming supper with the Lord of lords, King of kings. Kiss his sweet feet! Against the walls, waiting for leftovers — for plenty has been prepared — are the poor, more grateful in waiting. They’ve put on their tatterdemalion best. Mannah from heaven! Royal purple’d honey! They shall eat to their heart’s content. The fullness of joy, more theirs than ours. For their bellies rumble, and they thirst for the satisfaction that our great God gives. A holy day unto the Lord, gives strength and vigor, our countenance unwrinkled, at rest. We make merry with the centrifuge of a loving Savior, with deep whisperings from the Holy Ghost. Our Father’s eternal flame, ignites the ground with passion, we’re never scorched on this His holy ground. The joy of the Lord is our strength. There be crying babies, children that need sweat wiped from their heads, needs for the crowd, but the theme of good tidings prevails upon all souls gathered to feast. The canopy impressive with deliciousness, bright eyes, In thankfulness, sharing with the oppressed, leaning into Jesus’ breast, smelling his ambrosial breath, the conversation of peace and prosperity, brokenness, surrendering to joy. 9/5/2020 Contest: Joy of the Lord Sponsor: Regina McIntosh