June 1991

Published in Memories and Other Verses, June 1991.

EMMANUEL ... GOD WITH US!

WHOM DO YOU SEE,
When you enter the humble stable,
And glance into the lowly stall;
A new-born baby, perfect and sweet,
So vulnerable and small?
When 1 behold the baby,
I SEE EMMANUEL!

WHOM DO YOU SEE,
As the baby matures,
To a growing active child;
A healthy boy, so quick to learn,
Obedient to Joseph and Mary mild.
When I behold the child,
I SEE EMMANUEL!

WHOM DO YOU SEE,
Now the child has attained
The full measure of his manhood;
Do you see only a carpenter,
Who went about doing good?
When I behold the man,
I SEE EMMANUEL!

WHOM DO YOU SEE,
On the dark hill of Calvary,
Hanging upon a cross;
A man of promise, cut off in his prime,
For his friends, a tragic loss.
When I behold the crucified one,
I SEE EMMANUEL!

WHOM DO YOU SEE,
As you eagerly search the garden;
Empty is the tomb, the stone is rolled away,
Do you see only the gardener,
And sadly pass on your way?
When I behold the empty tomb,
I SEE EMMANUEL!

"Why seek ye the living amongst the dead?
He is not here, he has risen as he said."

ALL HAIL, EMMANUELI!!