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
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
