Thanks to David for this gift!
Dispatch
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” – Phillips Brooks
Held between earth and heaven
clouds obscure the sky.
A chill wind rises from the Great Sea
and crosses Palestine.
There are few stars, though faintly
burning through the clouds.
Why then this shining radiance
over Bedlam Town?
It is the glow of angels’ wings
winnowing the sky.
It is the stable lantern,
flaring in the night.
And lanterns of the pilgrims
hurrying to the place
where prophets trowed the world will change
blessing the human race.
How long, O Lord, the waiting?
How long until the day
Messias from the stable
shall enter on his Reign?
“The holly bears a prickle
as sharp as any thorn,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
upon a Christmas morn.”
– David Beebe, Christmas, 2018
Gifts in Open Hands 