There two poems come from the Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, a retired Methodist pastor
in Massachussets whose worship words we use fairly often in our service. These reflections
invite us to find our own place in the light, not just of the star, but of those first seekers’
experience and our own…
Where is the child who has been born a king?
Of course they didn’t find him in the usual places,
in the splendid, among the powerful, the successful.
Imagine the wonders they had to ignore
to finally find the wonder they had overlooked.
The holy one is among the unexpected—
I mean the unworthy, the undeserving.
Perhaps in their own tenacity the Magi found him;
perhaps in their defiance of Herod.
For those who are seeking the holy
the light of divine love shines in each of us.
Who knows by what act of your love
someone may set their compass?
We offer our gifts, we defy oppression,
and so lead the world to a revealing,
each of us, if we choose,
a star luminous with love.
* * * * * * * * * *
They left for their own country by another road.
—Matthew 2.12
Life is one different road
after another.
Even now, on the twelfth day of Christmas,
it’s not too late to be changed.
God is seldom on the road we planned
but one we were forced into.
Jesus’ miracles and parables are other roads;
grace is always a detour.
Holy One, give me Faith to let go, to turn,
to see grace where there was none.
Give me faith to be nudged, and to trust.
Give me the courage of new roads.
