It has been eight months since I had an abortion. Today, I sat on the third pew of the second row. The pastor climbed the altar with his flowing buba. He brought the mic to his lips and asked; “What’s … Continue reading BALM by Peace Ufedojo Haruna | Shortlist | Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 | PAROUSIA
Christmas After Thirty-One 1. The chilly December wind subsides just about halfway into the month, but to your surprise, it’s sweeping over Akoka-Ijaiye again. The sizzling cold is sending everyone into anything that can keep their bodies warm. … Continue reading Christmas After Thirty – One by Adesina Ajala | Shortlist Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 | PAROUSIA
Like Calves Released From The Stall (For Emmanuel, on Christmas morning) And they shall leap joyfully like calves released from the stall Malachi 4:2 Before you arrived, we were charged With law-breaking Offenses for which we were imprisoned Behind the bars of guilt Wallowing in woes, swallowing reproach We were destined for destruction. Before you arrived, we were bruised By a dragon The adversary who bit us every night Writhing in pain, laden with wounds We fell under hell’s spell And became accustomed to affliction. Before you arrived, we were slaves To lust Flames with which we fiddled our bodies … Continue reading Like Calves Released From The Stall by Ayooluwa E. Adekoya Ìmísí | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will towards men”. Luke 2:14. When we hear of Christmas in a Nigerian home, different things come to mind; the holidays, family gathering, travelling to one’s home town, community … Continue reading Christmas In Ngwa Land By Wokoma Ihekerenma Onyinyechi – Joy to the World Issue 14 – PAROUSIA
For All To a world that is sordid and cold Came a warmth that is purer than gold. Amongst leaders that plunder and take Entered He who bestows and equilibrates. Scoffing the seekers of personal gain Was born He who … Continue reading FOR ALL by Lusia Kay Reyes | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
Today, let this earth arise & worship the Christ with a mass of tongues & merry hearts. Today, hearts are clanging like tambourines, feets are twirling for boundless joy. Today, let this earth flies the banner of God’s kindness, chants the anthem of salvation. & Say, “Earth meet thy Saviour cradled in a bed of fodder.” Today, heaven breaks into smithereens of holy songs & grace drips on earth’s waning tongue. Today, heaven is a bursting joy in earth’s belly & a baby’s cry startles a manger in Bethlehem. A pearl lies in the rubble of pebbles & the bleatings … Continue reading Heaven Breaks into Smithereens of Holy Songs & Grace Drips on Earth’s Waning Tongue by Adesina Ajala | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
What a time, What a season, Christ being the reason A time for jubilation and ululations For He saved us from our tribulations A time to celebrate and embrace the memory of the one who was born to save creation A sacrifice brought to sanctity A King born that we may testify and glorify A gift that has brought joy to the world He was sold, He was bold, He did all that He was told He was born in a manger so we may be free from danger Given up as a ransom we could never afford Given up … Continue reading A GIFT; JOY TO THE WORLD by Tanki Sentsho | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
Art is a method of expression that involves imagination, personal experiences, and creative technical skills. Artistic expression takes on many forms, such as paintings, sculptures, music, film, literature, and other sensory-based stimulants that trigger human emotions and thought processes. Art is not just in museums; it is all around us, hung up and plastered onto every corner of life. From the changes in the sky, the colorful flowers that bloom during spring, all the variants of animals, and the noises they make, nature encompasses God’s artistic will. All of the beautiful gifts this world has to offer come from the … Continue reading Searching for God: The Grand Artist and Creation by Michael Colon | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
1) On the first day of Christmas, I placed the sole star on the pear tree as dust, Repainted the rooftops a dull reddish brown colour of rust, The air smelt metallic as Vaseline jars tended to our chapped lips, The halls are decked with boughs of neon holly, ivy and sunshine, 2) On the second day of Christmas, the bellies of runways, Were blessed with landing airplanes just like the two doves who bore peace, I woke up to the smell of curry and crow of three French hens on the third Yule day, Love came down on Christmas … Continue reading LOVE AND JOY CAME DOWN ON CHRISTMAS by Udochukwu Chidera | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
A Different Gift of the Magi by Tabassum Tahmina Shagufta Hussein | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA Shasha was surfing through her Instagram page. She was looking for a present for her dad. He was a busy man. Shasha wanted to believe that her dad loved her more than anyone else in the world. He was a funny person. They used to have the quality time together. She noticed the change in her dad. Fourteen years old Shasha could hardly remember happy memories of her parents being a happy couple. There were always fights, shouts, slamming doors. And there was always a distance. The things were too bad that Shasha didn’t want to recall the memories. Her … Continue reading A Different Gift of the Magi by Tabassum Tahmina Shagufta Hussein | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and only God knew, tonight was the night, His Promise would break through.His people awaited hundreds of years, now it was time, God would triumph over all fears In the midst of getting up early, working through the night, mankind trying to carve out a good life with all their might. You see, many thought life was left up to them, tired and weary, with what seemed to have no end.Their motto became, “there’s work to do,”not knowing God was making all things new. Rolling up their sleeves, working hard just the same,the goal was … Continue reading Christmas Hope by Ellie Wakeman | Joy to the World Issue 14 | PAROUSIA
Congratulations to E. C. Hannah for winning the Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022 A Heart for Christmas is the winning story. E. C. Hannah gets $100 USD. Continue reading E. C. Hannah Wins Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022
Shortlist Balm by Peace Ufedojo HarunaChristmas After Thirty-One by Adesina AjalaA Heart for Christmas by E. C. Hannah Continue reading Parousia Christmas Short Story Prize 2022
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84553828902?pwd=clZzOXNTWit0cEMvWklPSFhkTmljdz09 Continue reading JOIN LIVE: The Confluence
We are excited to announce Joy to the World Issue 14. Below are the selected entries for Parousia Magazine Joy to the World Issue 14 1. Christmas Hope by Ellie Wakeman – Poetry – USA 2. A Different Gift of … Continue reading Selected Contributors for Parousia Magazine Joy to the World Issue 14
