I love a good story, especially one with vital and dynamic characters who trust their own instincts and are willing to take a risk or two. So I enjoy hearing of Jacob, who dared to wrestle with the angel of God and found his life altered ; and I relish the story of Moses approaching the burning bush and acquiring a new life’s mission.
More pertinent to this season is Mary’s encounter with the Angel Gabriel, which leads to her unquestioning commitment to the mystery of the Incarnation. That is followed by the Magi’s sighting of a brilliant star which leads them to a divine manifestation that is not limited by religious or cultural boundaries.
God’s desire to be revealed to us and recognized by us humans is well-recorded in Scripture, in bibliographies, and in poetry. The challenge for us is to be attentive and discerning. (Or, as Elizabeth Barrett Browning might say, “ Am I sitting and plucking blackberries while earth’s crammed with heaven and every common bush is afire. . .?”)
The following poem by Jessica Powers always rekindles my hope at this time of year. May you, too, find Him “dear in His warm ubiquity.”
THE HIDDEN CHRIST
I went into the Christmas cave; there was no child upon the straw. The ox and ass were all I saw.
I sought His stable where He gave His goodness in the guise of bread. Emptiness came to me instead.
Filled with my Father’s words, I cried “Where have You hid Yourself?” and all the living answered to my call.
I found Him ( and the world is wide) dear in His warm ubiquity. Where heart beat, there was Christ for me.
I went back to the Christmas cave, glad with the gain of everywhere. And, lo! The blessed Child was there.
Then, at His feasting board He gave embrace. He multiplied His good and fed in me the multitude.
-S. Elizabeth Buchala
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