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The Host of Heaven

The wind whipped through the vale that winter night; he hunkered down, his watch to keep. A solitary star gave off its light; oblivious, the sheep lulled by their shepherd's song, lay slumbering in sleep. They suddenly were no longer alone; an angel of the Lord appeared and all about, His wondrous glory shone. The shepherd, much afeared, shook, naked and exposed; the sight, his senses sheared. But grace on grace, the angel said, "Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy!" And thus, just as the scriptures had foretold, Immanuel, a boy, announced, not to the rich, but to the hoi polloi. And as he spoke, 'twas like a switch was thrown, the veil drawn back, a mere facade; surrounding him, a multitude had grown. A sight that overawed: the host of heaven singing, glorifying God. ————— for the A Christmas Special Poetry Contest sponsored by Emile Pinet written on 12/3/22
From the second chapter of Luke, in the a:b:a:b:b rhyme of an English Quintain with 10:8:10:6:12 syllable counts...

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 12/31/2022 4:52:00 AM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. By God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy of Christmas toward a prosperous New Year along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
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Date: 12/30/2022 3:45:00 PM
Nicely written Jeff! Congratulations on your win! :)
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Date: 12/30/2022 1:54:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. A wonderful story/write. I really enjoyed this one. Happy New Year 2023 with blessings...............
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Date: 12/30/2022 12:56:00 PM
Congratulations on this winning work in Emile contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sara
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Date: 12/30/2022 10:34:00 AM
Congratulations Jeff! Your amazing poem "The Host of Heaven", has earned a distinguished place in my “Christmas Special,” poetry contest. I was very strict in judging, but your poem rose to the winner's list. Very well done my friend, Emile.
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Date: 12/3/2022 9:59:00 AM
So BEAUTIFUL!! Throroughly enjoyed - as always! (Did you see my silly ode to you?)
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Date: 12/3/2022 8:19:00 AM
Wow! I really like this poem, Jeff. I find it so difficult to write anything fresh and new at Christmas that has not been done many times before. You have succeeded in giving us a fresh look at the shepherd boy with excellent rhymes and your rhythm is flawless. Exceptionally good work. A FAVE.
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Jeff Kyser
Date: 12/3/2022 8:26:00 AM
Wow, thanks, Milt - so glad you enjoyed it!

Book: Reflection on the Important Things