Treasure in Earthen Vessels - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

Maybe even clay jars is too refined
maybe the words of scripture
holy treasure in earthen vessels
made of the stuff of this troubled earth
born with flaws, sin pervading us
only when filled are we to be redeemed
The simple earthen vessels
our cracked bodies, bruised, strained spirits
yearning to breathe free
only when God descends
when Christ fills us
only when the treasure rains down
and fills us from on high
Then we are worthy
even in our sorry state
to offer hope to the world
to the ends of the earth

December 8, 2010
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.