December 24

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING

 

His eyes

open for the first time

taking in the world

he’s been sent to save.

What he sees

transforms a makeshift maternity ward

covering dust and offal

with love

as tears dribble down the cheeks

of his exhausted young mother

and a relieved smile accentuates the wrinkles

around his “scandal-be-damned” step-father’s moist eyes.

 

His feet

about to disappear

in bands of cloth

like the ones he’ll abandon

in his final resting place

kick in spasms

unaccustomed to the air

replacing the watery world

they’ve left behind.

Ten toes she gladly counts

while wondering where they will carry him

unaware her tears will not be the last to splash them.

 

His hands

ten fingers gently counted and caressed

wave wildly ‘til they too

are tamed and bound by cloth

providing warmth against the chill.

Unencumbered and calloused

the touch of these

will bring healing and wholeness.

Stretched wide and pierced by nails--

precious hands first put to work at creation--

offer the welcoming embrace of eternal life

to you and to yours, to me and to mine, to one and to all.

James E. Thyren

From We  Need You More Than Ever,©2020