This beautiful poem by Frances Chesterton, copied from the front pages of her biography by Nancy Carpentier Brown conveys so much of the Advent longing.
How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far.
Shall we find the stable room
Lit by a star?
Can we see the little Child?
Is He within?
If we lift the wooden latch
May we go in?
May we stroke the creatures there
Oxen or sheep?
May we peep like them and see
Jesus asleep?
If we touch His tiny hand
Will He awake?
Will He know we’ve come so far
Just for His sake?
Great kings have precious gifts
And we have naught
Little smiles and little tears
Are all we brought.
For all weary children
Heaven must weep
Here, on His bed of straw
Sleep, children, sleep.
God in His mother’s arms
Babes in the byre
Sleep, as they sleep who find
Their heart’s desire.
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| Wearing my mother's jacket! |
I know so many of us who struggle with infertility, who are waiting, expectant of the miracle of life. But Frances, also suffering from infertility, in How Far is it to Bethlehem perfectly captures the deepest desires of our human heart.
This Advent, I am baking and writing and praying/practicing a beautiful William Byrd Mass for four voices and thinking of my own heart's desire -- the Babe.
I pray you will have a most blessed Advent!
According to F. Scott Fitzgerald, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind and still retain the ability to function."
May all families and their babies have a room at the inn. May all who seek shelter find a lit door and an inn keeper who says, "I've been waiting for you."
Seems like a little thing to ask.
Many years ago my high school choir used to sing a Christmas hymn based on that poem. I had no idea about its origin. Thank you!
Barb, that's a great quote! Thank you.
Mirka, that's so lovely. I know He awaits us.
Deborah, thanks for stopping by. Yes, it's a popular Christmas carol.