Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen."The First Nowell"
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| Santos Nativity - Puerto Rico Late 19th century - Unidentified artist, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
Jesus DearQuite by accident, I found the poem above that I wrote three years ago, which was not in the short list of my poetry on the sidebar. I'd completely forgotten about it, and I'm a bit puzzled, because I rarely write in regular rhyme or meter. So here's the bit of verse, for better or for worse. When the muse visits, which is not often, I write. Whether the effort is worthwhile, is not for me to say.
One glorious night in stable cold
A Babe is born in days of old.
O Mother Mary, do you hear
The angels sing of Jesus Dear?
As Jesus Dear your arms embrace,
You see His face so full of grace.
Your overflowing love abounds,
Hearkening to the angels' sounds.
Your arms around Him keep Him warm.
You vow He'll never come to harm.
Yet in your heart there dwells a fear
Of hurt to come to Jesus Dear.
A shadow of a cross falls o'er
To pierce your loving heart well sore.
O Mother Mary, what distress
To mar the blessed happiness!
He'll grow in wisdom and in grace,
A Babe no more in form and face.
Sweet Mary, do I see a tear?
Weep not; He's yet your Jesus Dear.
(From Luke: 2)
June Butler - 12-24-09
English folk singer and songwriter Kate Rusby singing traditional English Christmas song Sweet Bells (arr. Kate Rusby and Damien O'Kane; words by Nahum Tate, 1652 - 1715)
