As the New Year begins, and the Twelve Days of Christmas come to culmination on Epiphany, I thought I’d simply share a poem by Thomas Merton.
In case this is not familiar to you, Epiphany ends the twelve days of Christmas and is traditionally observed among Christians on January 6. This holiday marks the arrival of the magi, the astrologers, who followed a star to find Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This day symbolizes the manifestation of the light of Divine Presence for people of the world.
I invite you to take time to allow the images of this poem dance within you.
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.
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