Living the Message Dec.23

The Tree (Christmas 1975)

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesus,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots. (Isaiah 11:1)

Jesse's roots, composted with caresses
Of dove and lamb, parchments of ox and goat,
Centuries of dried up prayers and bloody
Sacrifice, now bear me gospel fruit.

David's branch, fed on kosher soil,
Blossoms a messianic flower, and them
Ripens into a kingdom crop, conserving
The fragrance and warmth of spring for winter use.

Holy Spirit, shake our family tree;
Release your ripened fruit to our outstretched arms.

I'd like to see my children sink their teeth
Into promised land pomegranates

And Canaan grapes, bushel gifts of God,
While I skip a grace rope to a Christ tune.

The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
There fore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, the Son of God.

Luke 1:35