Of a Time of Darkness, Of a Place of Light

Oh, Bethlehem!
Smallest of the small
Where once for so brief a while
One tiny spark flickered         
took hold
Radiating so brightly
Bearing perfect love rightly
boundless grace    
blessed hope
Where there was so little
And that, so elusive.
Did you not see?        
Did you not know?
Because the vessel bearing that light
Was clothed in common humble garb

Oh, Bethlehem!
Can we know how far we have wandered
From that glorious light which shone
from within you,
To find ourselves lost in the barren plane
Of leanness of soul withering disappointment?
Have we not learned to rest
In the luminous Presence      
holy Ember
Of sacred fire and divine knowing?
Lead us into the perfect Way
Your name proclaims:
House of Bread                  
abundant feast

Oh, Bethlehem!
You who have given Manna to sustain us
Remind us time carries only forward whither it would go.
Even so, memory calls us to what you offer still.
Will you lead us once again to that which you knew:
That sublime spark born within you yet shines
Lights the way of the path beneath our feet
Illuminates the darkness that would stumble us?
Oh Bethlehem!  Stir within us anew songs of wonder
Fill us with joy for the journey to where you are
Enthrall us with the ageless mystery of
The Holy Child of Light.

Nancy Buffenbarger