Empty the tomb,
The wrappings set aside.
No Body to be found,
Faith in triumph shouts.
It is Easter dawn.
Joy spills or’ heaven’s ledge
As sun rises to high heaven.
Hope blankets earth’s face.
Love penetrates its depth.
A people, newborn,
Called forth to be light.
Witnesses stand forth,
Wrapped about in wedding garb,
They go forth to meet the Groom.
© 2014 Joann Nelander
Letting go, and letting God, still holds challenge.
A lifetime of learning hasn’t made it easier,
Just more imperative,
As my way just gets in my way.Like a little lamb, I follow,
Though the way be set by trial ,
My shepherd walks before.In hallowed steps
I plant my feet.
Surety and Covenant abiding
Your Way, my way, forevermore.Copyright 2011 Joann Nelander
He rides the Wind in power and right,
Born of Eternal Light.
All goodness follow in His train,
Like comet tails, falling stars,
That fire my night.
Here light upon my soul and nest,
As spirit bird, find place of rest,
Spreading feathered wing
As shelter, and friend,
To Godly bless.
Stirring, fan the embers of my love,
To blaze anew in fire from above
Transforming dust and dross,
To forge one who walks
Amongst the flame, O Holy Dove.
©2013 Joann Nelander
If I should die today,
What have I to say?
Perhaps just one last prayer.
Grant that my heart
Should leap and quicken,
Catching sight of You
Coming from afar.
With Your Father,
You have wooed, and waited,
Sent Your Spirit
Into my dry bones,
Raising me from dust
Once again
And, now, forevermore.
Here I am, my Hallowed three.
The Bridegroom cometh;
Come for me.
(c) 2012 Joann Nelander
I live because You died,
Not in guilt,
But in the freedom of Love.
Choices are arrayed before me,
Multiplied by the days of my Life.
With the breaking
Of each New Day,
I rise forever
To choose You,
With the breaking
Of the Bread,
With the Lifting Up,
With the Cross before my eyes
I am a witness
Of the Resurrected One.
You Christ upon the altar,
You, Christ, living anew
In me,
Walk the Earth again
Leaving now my footsteps.
©2012 Joann Nelander
The lilies like trumpets
Stand about Your altar.
In their loveliness,
They proclaim Love.
In their pure white splendor,
They blast forth
Your glory.
All hallowed Mystery,
You satisfy for the Fall,
Make happy our eternal destiny.
In Your thirst for Man,
Your make new our souls,
And plan a future
Full of Hope,
Drinking our condemnation
To its bitter dregs,
Turning back the sea
Of our unrighteousness,
Drowning the enemy.
You are Mercy calling out,
Before the seat of Judgment.
You, “More Than a Conqueror,”
Turn sinner into saint,
Exchange Blessing for the Curse.
By that grace,
I am become the lily
With You on the altar,
Living witness
Of the Light
And the Life.
Alleluia!
Copyright Joann Nelander 2012
All rights reserved
Be Holy! 