Stables, by Peter Mayer
In Bethlehem a manger waits, long ago and so today,
Where hatred-weary people pray Love will come and lay there.
And so do countless stables stand in hearts as harsh as desert lands,
Rough shelters in the wind and sand, so Love will come and stay there –.
Love that opens fists of hate, heaps of gold on beggars’ plates,
Love that shows a kindly face to enemies and strangers.
And walls of stables tremble so when winds of fear and judgment blow.
For a stable hopes in Love alone and knows that Love’s the answer.
Oh, Love, the prophets’ only word, the only lesson left to learn,
The only end of heaven’s work, and the only road that goes there —
Love that sees with mercy’s eyes, holds its arms out open wide,
Threads its loom with separate lives and weaves them all together.
So, may the lamps of stables glow brightly lit that light may go
for miles in the darkness, so Love will find its way there.
Responsive Reading for Sunday, December 17
“She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).
Make of my heart a manger, Lord, so Love can come and lay there.
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid’” (Luke 2:8-10).
Make of my heart a shelter, Lord, so Love will come and stay there.
“The angel said to them . . .’This will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger’” (Luke 2:12).
Make of my heart a manger, Lord, for I know that Love’s the answer.
“And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger . . . . Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:16-20).
Make of my heart a manger, Lord, shining for miles in the darkness, so Love will find its way there.