Christmas Poem 2019

The shepherd of the starry reaches,
Maker of each sun and moon,
Descended into dust to seek us
Wound within a virgin’s womb!

Wake and hear the heralds’ chorus,
All who wait to welcome him.
He himself is God’s forgiveness,
Freedom for all bound to him.

See him as a gladdening ember
Baptizing the world with fire,
Calling that the ashes witness:
Fountains feeding healed desire.

Born, he makes the world he tailored
Suited for his Kingdom’s mirth;
As death – unwilling dominatrix –
Is changed to midwife second birth.

For God has not refused to meet us,
And did not hoard his heaven’s share!
So, cast on him your crushing burdens
Who habitates our every care,

Who came a child to make us children,
Who died the deaths mankind had learned,
Who rose to lead the captives onward,
Assuring us he shall return…

Where Gomer’s valley blooming verdant,
A Virgin made by bridal pledge
Waits by the well of Jacob saying,
“May it be, Lord, as you’ve said.”

The featured image titled “Nativity” is (c) Lancia E. Smith and is used with her glad permission for Cultivating and The Cultivating Project.

Matthew Clark

Matthew Clark is a singer/songwriter and storyteller from Mississippi. He has recorded several full length albums, including a Bible walk-through called “Bright Came the Word from His Mouth” and “Beautiful Secret Life.” Matthew’s current project, “The Well Trilogy,” consists of 3 full-length album/book combos releasing over 3 years. Each installment is made up of 11 songs and a companion book of 13 essays written by a variety of contributors exploring themes around encountering Jesus, faith-keeping, and the return of Christ. Part One, “Only the Lover Sings” is available both as an album and as a companion book. 

Matthew also hosts a weekly podcast, “One Thousand Words – Stories on the Way,” featuring essays reflecting on faith-keeping. A touring musician and speaker, Matthew travels sharing songs and stories in a van called Vandalf.

www.matthewclark.net/