Christmas Eve In a Country Church

Sleigh bells jingle as o'er the snow they glide,
To the little country church this Christmas Eventide.
Folks anticipate the fellowship that awaits them there,
As they celebrate His Birth with carols, love and prayer.

Steeds were eased to the hitching posts with a gentle "Whoa!"
Faithful and patient horses snort and paw the drifting snow.
Folks greet others with a special glow upon their faces,
With a hearty "Merry Christmas" and unabashed embraces!

The old pastor had arrived about half-past five o'clock
To stoke the potbellied stove to warm his faithful flock.
The organist who'd served nigh on fifty years in that capacity,
Was at her post pedaling the organ with strident tenacity!

The pastor with a short Christmas homily had his say,
Followed by the Sunday School's annual Nativity play.
A warming glow flooded the old church with candlelight,
As the service closed with the singing of "Silent Night!"

Tho' on this Holy Night from cathedrals, great oratories occurred,
And ancient cantatas sung by thunderous choirs were heard,
The souls of this faithful, God-fearing congregation,
Were just as blessed by their simple Yuletide celebration!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Wesley Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 10:01 PM
I can't help smiling when I read your verses Bob, you do inject your special brand of humor into most of your writes. That line about the organist is hilarious and th44e last verse too. Enjoyed your take on theChristmas concert!
Kovrlija Avatar
January 7, 2013 at 1:48 AM
Wonderful write!
Chircop Avatar
January 5, 2013 at 1:35 PM
How i wish it could be Christmas everyday to celebrate it your way :)
A  Avatar
January 2, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Hope you well Robert H. expressing my tender late cheers with you here on the soup*LUV~SKAT
Grisetti Avatar
January 2, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Lovely poetic Christmas scene. All the best to you and yours.
Lefanue Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 11:08 PM
I really felt that I was in that country church and part of the congregation. Great poetry, Bob, as always. Thanks for your kind remarks re my poem. Not doing much writing any more. Have written and published 5 books including a Christmas Edition, so have moved on to lecturing in health-related topics instead. I really enjoy teaching! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and may God richly bless you in 2013. Cheers, Maureen
Horne Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 1:35 PM
what a beautiful write, Bob. Happy New Year to you and Vera – sorry I’ve been away from Soup for so long (Sue recently left me for someone else). Congrats on all your wins, my friend : )
Eastman Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 1:14 PM
Wonderfully written with so much great imagery... Happy New Year to you and yours.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
January 1, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Superb Bob and happy New year yo oyu and yours , look forward to reading more in 2013 xx
Williams Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 4:15 PM
Bob, just love this, have a happy and peaceful New Year...Dave
Guzzi Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Happy New Year to you and Yours Bob! Light & Love
Johnson Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Just wanted to touch base on my Mud Pie Sale poem. I wrote a line explaining things at the bottom because it was a bit obscurely written. Your response made me think maybe you missed that. Peace be on ya brother. :) That's what Barry said once on storage wars. He kinda cracks me up. :) Take Care.
Kendrick Avatar
December 31, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Those old services always blessed my spirit..Great work about something that is mostly in the past..Enjoyed reading this afternoon..Sara
Johnson Avatar
December 30, 2012 at 1:57 PM
A heavenly write Robert. Angels visit big and small. Reminding us that Jesus started in a stall. A silent night brings peace to all. When Christmas bells ring to summon the call.
Duncan Avatar
December 29, 2012 at 10:30 PM
"Awesomely delightful " Robert , I should of came by sooner to read from you. Hope you have a very blessed New Year ;}
Carrillo Avatar
December 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Robert; This is beautiful. I could just picture it. Thanks for sharing and may the New Year bring you and your family many blessings. Lucilla
Dietrich Avatar
December 27, 2012 at 8:12 PM
a very charming one for the old fashioned Christmas Eve that we can still see sometimes in the world today. LOVELY.
Horsman Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 6:10 AM
you know Robert not unlike my christmas as a child, thousand s of miles away in the uk,, in fact you bring back lovely memories with this fine and wonderful poem...
Harrell Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 10:33 PM
And just as great. The annointing can be at any places, large or small. Love it, Bob. They are all the more precious at little church as one knows everyone. Enjoyed.
Roberts Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 7:17 PM
I was there in that country church, singing the hymns in Welsh in my mind, Thank you Robert.....Seren
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 2:31 PM
This is so pretty in my head Robert a lovely rhyme xx
Bauer Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 2:11 PM
you've painted such a pretty picture here i could visualize every little detail. hope you and your family have an equally magical christmas celebration...
Andresen Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 1:32 PM
- It feels really special to go to church at Christmas, Bob. - Beautiful poem, thank you. - Hope Christmas will be blessed time for you and your family. - / / Anne-Lise :)
West Avatar
December 19, 2012 at 12:34 PM
hi Bob, really loved this a lot, especially the last stanza, loved the language used. Rollo
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace