COME ON, CARRY THAT TORCH!

(A song to the

soon-to-be Bride of Christ)

So, you say it's been a long time?

You've longed to see Him, to feel his touch,

and since He left, you've gone from low to high and back again,

feeling everything in between.

The songs you hear either lift your heart or plunge you down,

bringing tears to your eyes and sharpening the pain.

He promised to return and make you his bride.

How long? You ask, and yet the love He kindled in your heart

has dimmed only a little,

to be renewed each time you have heard His voice.

Some people laugh as they see your faithfulness.

True love is beyond them.

They cannot understand that His promise of future bliss

is more real,

more precious than immediate pleasure could ever be.

"Look here" they say, "come on, enjoy yourself,

we're all going to die, anyway.

Then it will be too late. It could be over any minute!

All these earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods,

not to mention drunk drivers and crazies with guns -

Hey, you're just dreaming. You'll always be alone."

So you smile and silently shake your head.

You KNOW your patience will be rewarded.

In your heart you are sure of His return,

just as you know the sun's light and warmth

will chase away the darkness.

Yes, you can keep waiting just a little longer.

It won't be long now, dear one.

He longs to hold you close and wipe away your tears.

Come on now, it's worth it. He'll be here soon!

COME ON, CARRY THAT TORCH!

r.t.