Myrrh - a reflection

Three Kings came; cradled the Babe in bejewelled arms
gave of their gifts and left by a different path.
I wonder at their gifts as I
cradle the Babe in my homespun arms.

Gold is a useful gift.
The Babe likes the clink and the glitter of it
and we are glad of the security it offers
as we walk a different path to a new land
I cradle the Babe in my lap
And wonder at Gods mercy on it.

Frankincense - what to make of that then
sweet smell and curled smoke rising
A fitting sacrifice for Gods Son in Jerusalem's Temple.
“A sword shall pierce my heart!”
I wonder at those two old dears and their words surprising.

Myrrh, myrrh causes my heart to tremble
as I cradle the Babe against my breast.
Myrrh betokens all the world's pain
and all the world's loss
anointing the dead - ah let me hold Him yet awhile ¬-
Sweet, sweet child grow not away too fast.

Abba, heavenly Father, let me know what is best.

Myrrh anoints all the world's pain and all the world's loss
Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Talitha Cumi - give her something to eat
If you want you can cure me - of course I want to, be cured.
Do not cry - Young man I say to you get up
As salve takes the sting from the pain-
Abba's son and mine restores them to life again?

I wonder at the gift of myrrh
As I watch His Body on the gibbet racked.
My heart pierced by the pain He bears.
His head upon my breast and He, inert upon my lap
Once more I embrace my son and wonder what we lacked
that Abba allowed it thus.

I wonder at this gift of myrrh
As I walk with the women to the tomb
how His Body we need to anoint - the last comfort give.
And as I grasp the myrrhs portent; believe; in entering the pain
break the barriers to find Him living again
Oh Abba, loving Father - Amen, Amen