Epiphany, part 2
Posted: January 6, 2016 Filed under: Epiphany, Liturgical calendar 4 CommentsToday I am ready to try, at least, to leave behind the cynical realism of W.H. Auden, and embrace the hopeful optimism of Howard Thurman.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild nations,
To bring peace among brothers and sisters,
To make music in the heart.
—Howard Thurman
Epiphany blessings!
For me, this poem articulates the heart and meaning of Christianity. Thanks for publishing it again.
Thank you, Canon Linda. If enough people understand that Thurman’s words do reflect the heart and meaning of Christianity then I believe there is hope for our world.
I believe I told you this the last time you published this. It was read at Rex’s memorial because people felt like he personified it. It wasn’t even my idea. 🙂 This is always my comment when people post this poem. I like to be reminded.
Tahoe Mom, that fact was very much on my mind as I prepared this entry. It no doubt was a factor in my deciding to use the Thurman poem this year. I have been so much in the Auden state of mind this season, but I am really striving to get into the Thurman consciousness.