SEARCHING FOR CHRIST DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE.
I looked for you
through the plate glass
windows of store fronts,
amidst gaudy displays
of human fantasies
decked out in bright color.
But … you were not there.
I looked for you
in homes outlined
with bright lights,
some flashing like
landing strip lights,
others multi-colored
mythologies of
Artic elves, reindeer
and gift-laden sleighs.
But … you were not there.
I listened for you
in the music blaring
from speakers in
stores, radio, television,
orchestras and mighty choruses,
a capella groups, cloistered monks,
ancient chant, Baroque oratorios,
classical ballet, and modern pop.
But … you were not there.
I watched for you
in cartooned images,
sentimental dramas,
angels earning their wings,
nostalgic cinematic memories
of Red Ryder BB guns,
family celebrations,
Christmas bonuses,
Cousin Eddie and Gremlins.
But … you were not there.
I searched for you
in all the time honored
places, sacred crypts,
darkened naves,
manger scenes displayed
under the brightly lit boughs
of pine trees.
But … you were not there.
I looked everywhere
for clues to aid me
in my search, and
discovered in the
Gospel of Matthew
where to find you.
There you were in the
families suffering from
hunger outside the food
shelves and Loaves
and Fishes.
There you were in the
haunted faces of the
mentally ill.
There you were in the
homeless man
begging for money
at the exit ramp.
There you were in the
men and women in prison.
There you were in the
immigrant speaking
broken English.
There you were in the
battered and abused woman.
There you were in the
faces of the frail, time
burdened residents
of the nursing home.
There you were in the
lives of those suffering
from broken relationships.
There you were in the
tatter-clothed children
shivering in the cold.
There you were in the
chronically and terminally ill
patients in the hospital.
I laid down my gifts of Gold,
Frankincense, and Myrrh,
before you,
and, worshipped you.
© 2017 by Deacon Bob Wagner
May you have a most blessed Holiday Season!
