Attempting to summarise scripture teaching in brief verse
Simeon
Acknowledged just, and to his God
devoted, – Spirit holy
upon him – in his heart indwelling
(communing, teaching, and compelling);
so for Messiah’s coming waiting:
fulfilling occupation of all his latter days.
Anna
Anna, serving night and day,
gave her final years to pray;
saw and told of Mary’s son:
longed-for Saviour now had come.
Ecclesiastes 7:26; Proverbs 5:3-5; 12:4; 31:10,26,30 etc.
An oily tongue,
a trap is sprung,
and chains take hold:
a sad tale told,
of hopes destroyed,
ambitions void.
Tongue wise and kind,
from godly mind
by God’s Word taught
to help, support:
no shame, much praise,
and joyful days.
A new creation, all perfect, good,
and people living as they should:
great life, no strife.
Wise govenment, complete content,
well-ordered rule, no cynical fool,
but stimulating talk, and interesting work:
no boredom in God’s kingdom.
A skill above the mind of man
designing genes, supernal plan:
he came, becoming touchable,
removing guilt immovable.
But now, we see much bad still mixed
among the good – its end is fixed:
no saga-crisis fictional,
but certain future rational.
Not then a baby known by few –
acknowledged Sovereign in full view,
receiving all the honour due.
Mark 13
Great expectations: hope wonderful, sure.
Jesus returning, great joy evermore.
Before his departure, he’d told them and warned,
of judgement, for he’d been rejected and scorned,
Their temple would then be destroyed, for fulfilled
its cermonies, symbols – true Sacrifice killed.
This gospel would spread first to nations afar,
so they could receive his salvation before
his judgement extends throughout all the earth,
removing all evil, and sickness, and death.
Reminded by earthquakes, and wars, that life’s short,
– yet few would prepare, though the way had been taught:
King Christ comes in glory, he gathers up all
his people, while galaxies shake, their stars fall.
Philippians 3:20,21
Awaiting Christ, –
great expectation!
he will complete the transformation –
made fit to dwell with him!
and so, we live in preparation,
with eagerness, anticipation,
we seek to live like him.
Luke 15:11-32
Rejecting the love, he wanted to be
as free as his dreams: demanded, ‘Give me … ’;
then far, far away, he squandered, and lost –
all wasted, and tasted hunger and thirst;
was cheated, defeated, grubby, unclean,
illusions were broken, deceived by a dream.
He came to his senses, remembered his home,
and got up, returned (for the thing must be done),
confessing his shame, he asked for some grace.
How pleased was the Father: warm welcome, embrace;
the deadly experience of misery and gloom,
eclipsed then by joy inexpressible known.
But someone was jealous: he thought he had earned
far more than the one who’d deserted, love scorned.
Soon there’ll be days of glory
Where there will be no pain;
there poverty, injustice
will not be known again.
Jesus prepares this heaven,
and he will take you there,
if you have been forgiven,
this glorious hope to share.
Soon there’ll be days of glory,
no-one will ever fight;
joyful,complete submission
to him who rules aright.
Jesus prepares . . .
Soon there’ll be days of glory;
I do not have a claim
of innocence, so, trembling
I pray in Jesu’s name.
No-one deserves this heaven
nor entry-rights possess;
but we can be forgiven, –
in grace this God can bless.
Jesus came here form heaven
to take the punishment
instead of guilty sinners
who truthfully repent.
Receive this great salvation,
receive this pardon free,
the purchased full redemption,
for all eternity.
Soon there’ll be days of glory,
but when the Judge holds court,
to heaven there’s no admission
without a pardon bought.
Jesus prepares this heaven . . .
Tune: 76 76 76 76
1 Cor.11:26; 1 Kings 22:17,18,26-35; Ecc.9:11; Pr 19:21
King Ahab said, ‘Until
I come, in prison you stay
on bread and water. – In disguise,
I will succeed today.
He did not like God’s Word.
He thought he could prevent
the certain word Micaiah spoke:
at random, death was sent.
Our sacrament reminds
us of the death of Christ,
and what was done: until that Day
he comes to take the blest.
And he will come again,
for certain in his Word,
and time and chance are ruled by One
who is the Sovereign Lord.
1 Cor.15:50-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Lk 21:28; Rev.6:15-17; 11:15-18
We do not know the hour
when Jesus will return,
but he will come with power –
this universe will burn.
Lift up your heads
as he draws near:
rejoice, though stubborn sinners fear.
His children will be raised,
or meet him in the air –
then quickly they’ll be changed,
his glorious home to share. Lift up your heads …
The final trumpet sounds, –
we’re waiting eagerly;
and praise in heaven resounds, –
Christ comes triumphantly. Lift up your heads …
The kingdom of the world
has now become his own –
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of his worthy Son.
Our hope’s not vain, –
Christ comes again, –
and unopposed he’ll ever reign.
We give you thanks, O Lord,
for judgement good, complete,
and gracious, sure reward
to saints, both small and great. Our hope’s not vain …
Tune: 66 66 88 Gopsal (Rejoice, the Lord is King)
rhiannonshymns.co.uk 
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