The Symbolism of Christmas

The Symbolism of Christmas

“Now, Son, the time draws nigh,

But stay beside Me for a spell.

First, I prepare Thy way earthward

Through My messenger, Gabriel.

“Gabriel, hasten to the virgin,

Through her, I, her people burgeon.

Encourage her. She’s sought My favour;

I ask her to bear the coming Savior.”

“Now, My Son, the time has arrived.

Is Thee prepared to be deprived

Of Heaven, and visit the lowly planet?

Is Thee sure of what Thee do?

To be drained of dearest life-blood

And Heaven’s highest dignity, too?

To appear as they are,

Not Thy glorious Self?

And serve a sinful race

That trusts Law and Wealth?”

“My Father, I know this,

Thou asked once before.

But if I do not proceed,

They’ll remain as afore:

No Hope and no Future;

No Life Evermore –

No Peace and no Pleasure –

Only Violence and War.

They know only evil,

But hope for Our Good.

Thou gave them a promise –

Me! –

And I told Thee I would.

I know it shall cost Me;

Each day I shall fight

Disbelief, false prophesy,

Rebellion, contention

And false accusation.

Always that Shadow

Above Me shall loom —

Always the Cross awaiting; –

Awaiting Me to come.

But I see even further,

As Thine eye doth see!

Behold, there is life

Beyond Death’s Calvary:

My life and My victory,

But also much more!

Behind Me, with joy,

Through Calvary’s door,

Follow My People in glorious day;

Leaping and laughing, repeatedly say:

“Glory to Jesus! The Truth and the Way!”

Behold their faces in ecstasy,

Delighting in grace of You and Me.

How can I say beyond certainty

I’m unwilling to bear Calvary Tree?

No! When I see this,

I know well I Am right:

To struggle through pain

Offering Hope and Might.

My Father, not My Will

But Thine be done!

I know it’s Thy pleasure

To work through Thy Son.”

“Yes, My Beloved Son,

O yes, thus it be!

I have no greater joy

Than to plan beside Thee.

This is the path We chose;

Thee to in death repose.

But Son, I shall crave the day –

Though daily to Me Thou pray;

Forging the upward way –

For when Thou returns to stay,

Heaven’s Sharon Rose.

“Heaven shall rejoice, My Son,

As We watch Thee on earth below; –

Instructing all Us to know –

That Our Will be won.

“Go, then, My Blessed Son –

Go hence there to dwell.

In a baby My Church is born

To conquer Gates of Hell.

“Mary, fear not, my child,

You I will protect and shield.

And Joseph, be not dismayed

At what evil Herod will wield.

Persevere, and what Glory! –

What Grace! – Mary will yield.

Into your willing, outstretched arms

Is laid My swaddled Son,

Heralded by the Heavenly Host,

And shepherds, considered no one.

And in the distance; aways; afar,

Determined, though the journey’s years,

Behold, Magi who follow His star:

The shimmering lamp in the atmosphere

Which I set aglow years ago,

Dancing to your future home

For them to wonderingly follow.