Come From the East

Come from the East, they tracked a star and gave a king their gold.
Then leaving by another way, warned in a dream, foretold.
Another sought him - Rachel weeps; she will not be consoled.

Then frankincense for a high priest, to consecrate the child.
Grain offering: the bread of life was beaten, scorned, reviled.
Propitiation for God's wrath, that we might reconcile.

Last, myrrh, a precious fragrant oil for healing, it was said.
With nard, his feet washed with her tears and hairs atop her head.
When mixed with wine, a bitter gall; with herbs, embalms the dead.

There's naught else mentioned of these men, but this we know is true:
The Magi recognized the signs, and further followed through.
So seek this child; you don't need gifts ~ in truth, He just wants you.

---------- for the Writing Challenge - Write a Christmas Poem Poetry Contest sponsored by Constance La France 11/27/2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Kauffman Avatar
December 13, 2022 at 10:54 AM
Jeff, congratulations on your win. The story of the Magi is one of the most mystical of all of the stories of Christmas. Their journey, led by Jesus' star, so reflects our own journey led by the star of his love. Beautifully written and I love the last line - giving God ourselves. Blessings of light to you!
Kyser Avatar
December 13, 2022 at 12:31 PM
Thanks so much for your read and your kind comments, Sam - and a very blessed Christmas to you!
Alex Avatar
December 5, 2022 at 7:57 PM
The great story of the magi retold beautifully with the perennial message: "seek this child; you don't need gifts ~ in truth, He just wants you" - Congratulations!
Kyser Avatar
December 6, 2022 at 3:49 AM
Thanks so much - I'm glad you enjoyed it, and appreciate your comments!
La France Avatar
December 5, 2022 at 1:21 AM
Jeff, a magical poem of faith, congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge - Write A Christmas Poem, well done, blessings
Kyser Avatar
December 6, 2022 at 3:49 AM
Thanks so much for hosting the contest, Constance - a lot of wonderful Christmas messages!
Dietrich Avatar
December 4, 2022 at 2:43 PM
I enjoyed your Christmas poem. I seem to recall that the Magi came a few years after Christ's birth and warned Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt. I hope I am remembering my Bible stories right!! oh, congrats for your win
Kyser Avatar
December 4, 2022 at 2:53 PM
Thanks, Andrea, and your recollection is close! They go to King Herod, asking about the new king, and he tells them to please return and tell him about the king they find in Bethlehem. They are warned in a dream not to tell Herod, and so they return home by another way. Joseph is similarly warned, and they flee for Egypt, avoiding the slaughter of all male children under 2 years of age.
Peck Avatar
December 3, 2022 at 9:51 AM
Lovely poem, Jeff. Congratulations!
Forbes Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 8:02 AM
Love the last verse! Thanks Jeff :-)
Hankins Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 8:50 AM
Well done, Jeff, this story of the wise men in verse. Loved your choice of rhymes. BofL in the contest.
Kyser Avatar
November 28, 2022 at 9:13 AM
Thanks so much, Milt. My contest entries are pretty hit or miss these days... :-)
Boles Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 8:49 AM
A piece of biblical history laid out in meaningful lines, and a soothing dose of introspection. Very well done!...ab
Kyser Avatar
November 27, 2022 at 10:53 AM
Thanks so much for the read and the gracious comments!
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