Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyনমুনা

Fear to faith – Jesus is born.

An Advent Prayer

We are in the Advent season, and an Advent prayer
Invites Jesus to come to the manger of our hearts.
I am struck by the imagery and relate deeply to the need
For Jesus to come again in me.
My heart is like that manger – traces of dust and hay within;
Feeling empty of substance, in deep need of refilling
To be purposeful again.

There the manger stood, scuffed by life’s dents and scrapes,
Yet still waiting in anticipation of a new day.
A replenishment of hay, the nuzzling of donkeys’ muzzles,
Warm breath from their nostrils,
Simple pleasures for a staple object in a backyard stable.

Dust brushed away, a fresh layering of hay,
A blanket or two – something new and totally unexpected,
Then that weighted bundle, swaddled and sleeping,
Laid upon the softened layers in the wooded, slatted frame.
The starkness of the stable transformed into a haven,

Filled with starlight and glory, and a lullaby like no other
From an angelic choir, sung over a precious one
Held within its heart.

My heart is like that stable, standing empty and longing for
Your weighted presence within the depths of me.
A tangible sign of Emmanuel, God’s evident glory.
I long to hear the angels’ song resting over me;
I long to be Heaven’s cradle and birthplace of joy,
For all the world to feel, with only humble ambition.
My desire is honest and true, and
I’m about to be repurposed by the coming again of you.

Bev Webb, City Life Church, Southampton, England

Inspired by ‘The Manger of My Heart’ by Renee Swope, the poem ‘An Advent Prayer’ by Bev Webb is used with permission.