Thursday, December 25, 2008

Carol - Written in 1946
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.
Thomas Merton

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I didn't know this one.
Merry Christmas to all of you!

chartreuseova said...

Just stopping by to wish you, the scientist and Amie a merry Christmas.

And of course Fenway says, "Woof"

Mary Beth said...

Lovely! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!

Terri said...

Oh, beautiful....blessed Christmas!

Lori said...

That's just a beautiful poem. I never thought of my sins and penances as a gift for Jesus. I guess the giving up of the sins or acknowledging.

It was a nice day. Though my stomach hurt and still does. Thanks for the lovely card.

Merry Christmas to you. I hope you are well.