Monday, December 23

"The Whip of Advent" by Tristan Gylberd



 The pitch of the stall was glorious
Though the straw was dusty and old
Though it blew bitter and cold
The wind sang with orchestral beauty

The night was mysteriously gleaming
Though the earth was fallen, forlorn
For under the eaves of splendor
A child-The Child-was born

Oxen Sheep and doves
Crowded round Nativity's scene
Though the world still failed to grasp
T’was here that peace had been

Cast out into a cave
When no room was found for Him
His coming was a scourge
That cleansed a robber's den

While the Temple's become a cattle stall
Where beasts and such are sold
The Child's turned Manger into Temple
And changed the base to gold

Tis the paradox of the ages:
Worldly wisdom will ne're relent
To notice signs of visitation
Nor the cords of the whip of Advent

3 comments:

Bonnie said...

We had fun with this in class last week!

Bonnie said...

WE are trying to identify the painter without using an APP!

gileskirk said...

It is Valentin de Boulogne's "Christ Driving the Money Changers out of the Temple," circa 1618.