Christmas Reflections

First Coming by Madeleine L'Engle

He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait

till hearts were pure. In joy He came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
He came, and His Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs wih joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Wherever you are this Advent season... South Korea... Latin America... France... Germany...various regions of the US.... I hope that you will celebrate the Maker of the stars and the Mystery of the Word made flesh. May the reality of living on a visited planet give you hope and joy.

In the beginning was the Word.. and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...