Advent 22 - Poetry: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh - Soup and nibbles

December 22nd

Matthew 2:10-12

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Click on the arrow to hear a great Christmas Carol

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 Are you ready?  Only a few days of Advent left - how prepared are we?  Well, it started me thinking about how prepared everyone was for that night in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, which, if it hadn't happened, we wouldn't be celebrating Natalis Domini or Christ's Mass (see yesterday's blog) now.  So, I have written a poem.  Whilst you are reading and enjoying the music you may like some soup from our soup recipe range, or nibbles from our nibbles recipe range.

 

Are we ready?

Are we ready,

              for the day when it comes?

Have we done

                all we can, to prepare?

We’ve shopped till we’ve dropped,

     baked, wrapped and packed,

             posted our greetings to family and friends.

Baubles glowing, tinsel flowing,

            lights twinkling in the night.

Everyone waiting.

                          Anticipating.

The joy of a gift – will it be all right?

Were they ready,

                    for the day when it came?

To be sent by a king, to find -

                                        a child with lineage divine.

Balthasar from Arabia came;

              Melchior’s Persian perfume.

                          Gaspar brought oil from India’s land,

               they travelled from homelands so far.                          

Each one waiting.

                           Anticipating.

Knelt in homage – guided by a star.

 Were they ready,

                  for the day when it came?

Afraid and astounded,

                      with wonder and awe,

To be chosen,

                    as poor as they were.

Heralding messengers gave wonderful news,

                                       to find the King of the Jews  –

                                             a promise, no longer concealed.

Each one waiting.

                           Anticipating.

God’s glory – to them revealed.

Was she ready,

                for the day when it came?

One girl chosen,

                     unmarried, betrothed,

                                 and obediently took on the load.

Of David’s descent,

                     to Bethlehem sent

                                         but for Mary there wasn’t a bed .

A journey so far,

                     their guide: a star.

Both of them waiting.

                            Anticipating.

The birth of a child – in a humble cattle-shed.

  

Are we ready,

              for the day when it comes?

Have we done all we can,

                             to prepare?

In the beginning was the word,

                           and the word became flesh -

                                           salvation in a lowly stall.

Like temple sheep then

                          sacrificial rights end.

Now we are waiting.

                             Anticipating.

The joy of God’s gift – the best gift of all.