1/4/12

Preparing for Epiphany: a Carol


Hills and fields around Bethlehem: Source

This poem celebrates Christmas and in its last lines brings us, along with the Magi, to Epiphany.

Epiphany Carol
by Thomas Merton

Flocks feed by darkness with a noise of whispers,
In the dry grass of pastures,
And lull the solemn night with their weak bells.

The little towns upon the rocky hills
Look down as meek as children:
Because they have seen come this holy time.

God's glory, now, is kindled gentler than low candlelight
Under the rafters of a barn:
Eternal Peace is sleeping in the hay,
And Wisdom's born in secret in a straw-roofed stable.

And O! Make holy music in the stars, you happy angels.
You shepherds, gather on the hill.
Look up, you timid flocks, where the three kings
Are coming through the wintry trees;

While we unnumbered children of the wicked centuries
Come after with our penances and prayers,
And lay them down in the sweet-smelling hay
Beside the wise men's golden jars.


 
Epiphany 2012
 
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2 comments:

  1. Thanks for this one - I haven't seen it before.
    The last verse is a cracker !!
    Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this. I love Merton, and yet I don't think I've come across this poem before. Your blog is a huge encouragement to me, and one I steal--er, borrow--from often on my daily prayer blog (bobhostetler.blogspot.com). Thank you for your ministry!

    ReplyDelete

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