T’was just days before Christmas and across the great globe, ACOP members were stirring, with hearts all aglow. The programs were finished, the services done, The Season’d been hectic with holiday fun. The pews were now empty, the people all fed Via potlucks and parties—now just go to bed! And as members all settled in beds snug and safe Visions of hope and extensions of grace Danced in their hearts like a flickering flame That won’t be extinguished by questions or pain. And just as their eyes closed tightly in slumber A voice in their soul arose like great thunder The voice of Wes Mills echoed sweetly in memory That a life lived for Jesus was a life lived quite grandly And that nothing shines brighter than a person aglow With the Spirit of Jesus who fills a life full Amid Mills’ reminders, even hearts that had shrunk Began to expand and to pound—thunk, thunk, thunk! Could it be that the future was as good as he said Or had too much vision affected his head But then memories of faithfulness began to resound To each one who lay there staring around How Jesus had walked with them ev-ery day Through thick and through thin and the miry clay Perhaps Wes was right, that the days up ahead Would be flavoured with love and with peace and no dread! Now some say their hearts grew three sizes that night It worked for the grinch and the children of light And hope that had shrunk by COVID confusion Began to revive with Spirit-infusion The Good News of Jesus resounded in hearts And worship and love songs began with a start And from ACOP bedrooms around the whole world Eyes focused on Jesus and prayers were unfurled So forward and onward, from West to the East All people, all nations, the rich and the least Closed nations and hamlets and cities, all places We arise from our slumber in new-found amazement That the dear Son of God would be born in a manger Lion and Lamb, our Friend and our Saviour. Now Santa called reindeer, “on Donnor, on Blitzen” But Jesus calls people, “On Connor, on Gretchen, On Jordan, on Wes and on Verner and Rod On Trevor and Cal and leaders abroad And to ACOP family wherever you are Stay focused on Jesus – and Merry Christmas to all!
—Written by Rev. Rod Barks; December 2022