Epiphany

He had nowhere to lay his head.
I cannot recall how Joseph cut the umbilical chord.
The straw was hard.
The animals were strangely quiet.
I was exhausted from the trip and sick to my stomach.
It was a sheer act of faith to adore him.
Shepherds came and adored him.
Their faith strengthened mine that this was really happening.
I could not believe that I had any milk to give him. I was starving.
The three magi came and adored him, bringing gifts.
Their faith enlarged mine. They had come from afar
   and were themselves tired from the journey.
A star guided them to the manger and gave them hope
    that a messiah had been born.
I could barely keep my eyes open.
Angels seemed to sing in the distance
    as their way of adoring him and encouraging us.
Joseph tried to be helpful. His gentle presence mediated Yahweh’s love for me.
His faith companioned mine. I felt very low.
My bones ached from the long journey.
My back ached from having sat pregnant on the donkey.
My heart ached to know how Yahweh was acting in our lives at this time.
The baby moved. He was my baby. He was our savior.
    It was too much for me to take in.
It was a sheer act of faith to adore him.

Annice Callahan rscj
Province of the United States