CHRISTMAS IS A STAR

 

Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, human rights activist, needs no introduction.  Here is Fr Cedric's poetic reflection (which he sent me today) on Christmas for CCV readers. Isaac Gomes, Associate Editor, Church Citizens' Voice.

 

FR CEDRIC PRAKASH

Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ (R) with a refugee family in the Middle East. - RV

A poetic reflection written on Christmas Eve 2017

Christmas is a STAR

Which hovers faintly from one inn to another

Accompanying a tired migrant couple together

Searching desperately for a place for the night

Doors are shut: no one cares about their plight

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That shines on a stable on the margins faraway

There is but no choice for Joseph and Mary

Here however in a warm and loving manger

Is born the heavenly child who is our Saviour

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That glitters brightly as the angels sing

Glory to God and to our newborn King

The message of peace is loud and clear

The shepherds respond without a fear

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which on that silent night just sparkles

As the shepherds, hasten across hurdles

To worship the Messiah with unbounded joy

They sing aloud to beats by the drummer boy

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy: The Three Wise Men” (named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar). Detail from Mary and Child, surrounded by angels, mosaic of a Ravennate italian-byzantine workshop, completed within 526 AD by the so-called “Master of Sant’Apollinare”. Image via Wikipedia.

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which shines to guide the Magi from the East

They lose sight of it and they encounter a beast

But find it again and arrive at the right destination

And they adore him: the light of the nations

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

Christmas is a STAR

That directs the Holy Family into Egypt to flee

They are refugees and what matters is security

Because for the child his time has not yet come

For the Father has sent him to preach the Kingdom

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

That challenges us today to live the good news

In small and big ways but with the correct views

To welcome the migrants, refugees and all excluded

Ensuring they are protected, promoted, justly integrated

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

Christmas is a STAR

Which beckons all to Service both humble and selfless

To stand for the Truth in a manner relentless

In attitude and in deed to be Available to all

To be a Reconciling bridge is a definite call

Yes, Christmas is a STAR

 

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.