Sheep and shepherds and choirs of angels, to a glorious barn of wisdom's own peace, to kings and children and simple gifts...

 

(This is the fourth in a series of Epiphany posts)

This poem celebrates Christmas and in its last lines brings us, along with the Magi, to Epiphany. I love Merton's verse here and find it helps me, each year, to read it slowly and several times to help me sink into it's rich depths...

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.

 

Tweet   

SUBSCRIBE HERE!