Scarlet Robe Creations

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,   Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Luke 2:27-28 “Simeon in the Temple” by Rembrandt Lord, now you may dismiss your servant, my life can end in peace, for with my aging eyes I have seen the child who is our salvation and I cradle Him gently in my arms.   This child Lord, is Your gift to the world, a light of brilliance shining forth to reveal Your way to the gentiles and bring glory to Your people and I cradle Him gently in my arms.   Behold, chosen daughter, many will reject this child and their sword will pierce through your soul. This will be their sin. He will be a sign from God, despised and spoken against, but to others He will be their deepest joy. copyright 2017 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0769H9LJH

In the novel 'Afternoons With Mister D', there is a story, or chapter if you will,  titled 'Youth'.   Mister D tells Charlee about his wife Tess,  and how they spent Christmas at a children's hospital  with a little girl named Ronnie. This, like other blog entries titled 'Purity' and 'Foolish' are extensions of the original stories making up 'Afternoons With Mister D'. I hope you enjoy this very special Christmas story, and maybe consider following the link at the bottom of the page  and picking up a copy of 'Afternoons With Mister D' Thank you for reading... God Bless and Merry Christmas. Ronnie was glad to see her friend show up bright and early on Christmas morning.  The young woman, who seemed old to the nine year old Ronnie, brought a young man who, as the recent girl-to-girl confession had revealed, was a boyfriend.  Maybe he was even more than that, her friend had said.  Ronnie's friend was in love.  That was obvious.  Ronn

It was a maintenance shop, like any other.  There was grease, dirt and tools.  There were men who worked with their hands.  Sometimes their words were coarse.  Usually they didn't care. It was the twenty-third day of the month.  The holiday was two days away.  One of the men was single and would spend the holiday at home with his parents.  Two would be with their spouses.  One would visit his brother and sister-in-law, and their two young children. Rob had brought two unfinished gifts, for his niece and nephew, into the shop.  The other three came and gathered around, cups of coffee in hand, to offer their opinions and suggestions.   "Gonna take some cleaning up," Rick said. "And I have paint," Rob added. "You plan to paint them in here?" Rick queried. "The paint smell will go right up the hallway.  Pete will have a fit." The verbal response to Rick's words was colorful.  All four decided they would deal with Pete's wrath when, and if

  We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;  we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. Matthew 11:17 In the market place, a game of children. One does not dance when the flute is played, mimicking a wedding feast. The other does not mourn when the singing is of death. What did they expect? Did they come to see a prophet, or king? Did they expect glimmering robes? Whatever is received, it is never enough? One came by the river, without food or drink, and he is called a demon. The son comes sharing meals of tradition and hospitality, and he is called a friend of sinners. I played a wedding song for you, on my flute and you chose not to dance. I sang the somber hymns of funeral march and you chose not to cry. To what are you compared, this generation and the next? You are neither happy when the grass is green, nor when it is brown. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr

Star of Bethlehem - Elihu Vedder (1897) Stars, filling the night sky when direction is sought. But only one shows the way. Stars, each with a wonder to behold, each with promise. But only one promises life. The journey may be long. There are easier roads to travel. There are paths which will cushion your feet in comfort, and allow plenty of rest when tired. Stars, illuminating the heavens. Stars, beckoning the wanderer. Star, one star, a single star, calling to the wise, to those who seek faith, those who seek a king of meekness. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr

Edward Stott - There was no room at the inn (c. 1910) It is but a stable. There is hay, there is dirt, there are animals. The only music to calm a weary soul are the calls of a cow and a donkey and the bleating of sheep. Shepherds watch, guided by a song heard on high. They come in their tattered clothing to honor a king donned in rags. There in so fanfare. This king has come for those who are born in stables. This king has come for those who labor in fields tending their sheep. This king has come for any who feel undeserving of Him. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr

 She has journeyed long and hard. She bears news of prophecies answered. She holds a vision in her heart, an angel, a visitation, a promise. God has not forgotten His people. Will she find faithfulness at the end of her day? Will her cousin embrace her without doubt? These thoughts are pondered as the two come together. It is not the young girl who speaks, but the child, in the older woman's womb, has leapt for joy copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr