Wonder and awe. Sometimes these are harder to come by as we get older. The sheer amazement of not knowing how something happened, yet willingly trusting it did. The wonder of seeing something new and unexpected. Everything about the story of Jesus being born forces us to suspend belief. To lay aside the constant need to explain things rationally. To believe in miracles and marvels and majesty.
I came upon a poem this past week that has been working me over. It moved and surprised me. It felt like a gift to my soul that I have unwrapped many times. A gift that I want to share in case it might have a similar effect on you. Then we could smile together and that would also be a gift.
“Sharon’s Prayer”
by John Shea
She was five,
sure of the facts,
and recited them
with slow solemnity
convinced every word
was revelation.
She said
they were so poor
they had only peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches to eat
and they went a long way from home
without getting lost. The lady rode
a donkey, the man walked, and the baby
was inside the lady.
They had to stay in a stable
with an ox and an ass (hee hee)
but the Three Rich Men found them
because a star lited the roof.
Shepherds came and you could
pet the sheep but not feed them.
Then the baby was borned.
And do you know who he was?
Her quarter eyes inflated
to silver dollars.
The baby was God!
And she jumped in the air
whirled round, dove into the sofa
and buried her head
under the cushion
which is the only proper response
to the Good News
of the Incarnation.
The only proper response to the Good News.
YEEEEESSSSS!
Everything about this poem delights my soul. I can’t help but smile at every re-reading, and there have been a few as I’ve subjected friends and family alike! It reminds me of the immense power of words and images to shape our thinking
The simplicity, the wonder of it all. Immanuel – God With Us – the hope of the world, yes!
But also the hope for me, and for you.
The wonder and awe that Jesus chose –
- He chose out of limitless heaven into limited humanity.
- He chose to lay aside all that was rightfully His, to take on all that is rightfully mine.
- He chose to be as vulnerable and helpless as anyone ever has been.
- He chose you.
- He chose me.
May you celebrate Advent with the wonder and awe of Sharon, this five year old whose response was, indeed, the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.
Merry Christmas friends!
