Fresh Epiphany
Wrapping up my clay Nativity again, of a January morning–
These three-decades-old figures in the story, hand-formed with the tears
Of my just-opened eyes—I muse:
After Jesus, newborn fist barely visible, which of these
Could be most important?
Probably not the thin buff cow with one horn half-broken,
Nor the small brown dog, asleep.
What of the chief shepherd, the crook of his staff missing for years,
Perennially astonished at the scene–
Joseph, strong, protective, present,
The determined scholars worshipping an infant of a foreign race,
The iridescent messenger of God?–
Or surely little Mary, her baby cuddled close.
Yet that borning Light shines to each–
To all creation, redemption
To the working folk of earth, adoption
To the good-willed, strength
To the serious seekers, the ecstasy of Truth
To the heavens, the witness of the Mystery
To the brave bearer, Love.
c Deanna Harrington Christiansen 2013 ~All Rights Reserved
From “Plantings” …see www.deannachristiansen.com to order “Plantings”
Was just wrapping up my Nativity set this week. Lovely images with powerful thoughts. May Christ be exalted above all.
Yes! Thank you, Susie.
Thank you for those timely musings….
I have yet to put away my Nativity, not only due to prolonged illness during the holidays, but some unknown reluctance keeps me procrastinating…. With all the overmuch activities during the season, it is so nice
to be able to just sit and enjoy thinking on the grand overview of the reason for the season in solitary splendor.
Time seems to move so fast through the season, it seems a shame to pack it away so soon.
Next weekend will be soon enough…
I can concur, as contemplating our Savior is where we may –literally–live.
New health to you, Marilyn, in the New Year.
Thanks for your beautiful and thoughtful reflections on such a mundane task now transformed into a meeting place with the Light of the world.
Just think of it…”a meeting place with the Light of the world…”. Glory breaking through…
Thank you for sharing with us. I am so glad that you are continuing to use your creative talents in such a wonderful way. Keith
Keith and Jan, you are always encouraging and always building others up–grateful for you too!
Nice job, Deanna!! You’re truly gifted with writing…keep it up! This past Christmas season was especially meaningful for me, having been blessed with a trip to Israel last fall to visit the Holy Sites, Bethlehem and Nazareth included. The Garden of Gethsemane and Garden Tomb were also especially meaningful, as was Jerusalem. Love and blessings!
How amazingly meaningful it must have been, following the blessing of your trip! Thank you, Becky, and love always, too.
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you
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