On This Wise – Christmas Poem 2016

I have written a Christmas poetry for my Christmas cards since at least 2004 if my calculations are correct! It’s always fun to see what strikes me each year. It’ll be a snatch of a Christmas song, or phrase from a Bible verse, or a motif like stars, motherhood, or gifts.

This year, it struck me how very much like today it must have been in Bethlehem. You might think, how could a small town, a baby born 2,000 years ago, fit our world today? But think about it – the crowds, the rush, the tight quarters, the whole world traveling back home… isn’t that how it is today at Christmastime? People returning home for Christmas, crowds of people at the mall, flights and hotels booked to capacity?

We haven’t come so far. And we still need the Savior who was born for us, born to die. 

Perhaps this is why in this poem, I chose to use the present participle verb form. The -ing verbs that show progressive and continuous action. Because what was happening long ago… is still happening today. People still rushing home with their treasures when… the world’s greatest treasure lay tucked into a manager, unnoticed…

The verse that inspired this poem is Matthew 1:18:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

That opening word, “Now…” makes me consider how although the birth of Christ was so long ago, His birth is still relevant NOW!

I’m praying this poem helps you contemplate the One born so long ago, for our time. Contemplate Him now.

On This Wise

List checking,

Lines stretching,

People passing,

Crowds traveling,

Rooms filling,

World taxing,

Dark falling,

Woman carrying,

Prophecy fulfilling,

Burden bearing…

World waiting…

Light shining!

Shepherds watching,

Hosts singing,

Angel saying:

Good tiding!

Babe in swaddling,

Heaven coming,

Mother pondering,

Wise worshipping,

God abiding:

The Birth of Jesus Christ 

Merry Christmas, dear readers! I wish you a warm and blessed Christmas with your families!

Advent Poetry Devotional & Journal – Now Available

Are you longing to reflect in wonder about the story of Jesus this Christmas? 

Stories in the Stars is a an Advent reading experience that provides several ways for readers to connect more deeply with the first coming of Christ.

Take time to reflect on the wonder of God’s story in this poetry devotional journal. Take a journey through various aspects of the Christmas story – from the prophecy, to the star-sign, meet Mary and the shepherds and the wise men, see the busy town and hear the angels signing. And of course, meet Jesus in these poems.

I’ve never read such an engaging devotional. It includes Scripture, poetry, personal thoughts and suggestions for your own thoughts and journaling. – Serene Speakman

 

Thought-provoking without being overwhelming; daily devotional for the Christmas season to draw your focus heavenward. – Lori Marie