Closing Out 2010

Michael E. Wood
December 27-28, 2010

Four days after my Honda Accord was stolen, we received a call from the CHP that it had been located and we could pick it up at a tow station. Dianna wrote a poem concerning the recovery, which can be found on “The Wood’s Secret Garden” blog, dated 12/30/10, entitled, “The Rest of the Story”.

In the days between, and having no assurance that the car would be recovered, I received much comfort from the LORD through His Word, and the following poem and song was written. Many of the thoughts for the poem are derived from John chapter 10, and the song can be sung to the tune of, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”, using the same chorus.

THE POEM

O Shepherd, of the one true flock,
How sweet Your voice we hear.
For when the thief comes forth to steal,
Tis only You we fear.

As life abundant now You give
And lead us by Your hand,
That murderer can only do
Exactly what You planned.

For You have called us all by name,
And lead us forth with joy,
And though the devil take all things,
Our soul he’ll not destroy.

With pastures rich You now provide
For us with nothing lost.
For all we need, we find in You,
Who paid with blood, the cost!

O Shepherd, You laid down Your life
For all Your Own, Your sheep,
That we may know, we are Your Own,
And all Your Own, You keep!

And thus our Father’s providence
In love for us ordained,
All things in life that He may bring
Forth faith, that is unfeigned.

And for His glory we shall proclaim,
As those who once were superfluous*
All things that happen only serve
To further the gospel through us.

O Shepherd make us much more bold
To speak the Word without fear,
With love to You, O Christ our King,
By Your Spirit, to all You endear.

For other sheep You have yet to call
Into our Father’s one fold,
Which spans all nation’s, tribes, and tongues,
Where Your glory forever unfolds.

THE CHRISTMAS SONG

We thank You for Your providence,
You brought on Christmas morn.
For by it, You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne.
When He for us upon the tree,
Paid for our sin and scorn.

(Chorus)

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy!

O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior
May all glory ever be...
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.

(Chorus)

The Good News is our focus
And no matter what the cost,
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust!

(Chorus)