It is as if Infancy were the Whole of Incarnation

Luci Shaw (born 1928 in London, England) is a Christian poet. Shaw studied at Wheaton College, Illinois and is now writer in Residence at Regent College, Vancouver. She lectures on art and spirituality, the Christian imagination and poetry as an aid to artistic and spiritual growth. She is a members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bellingham, Washington. Here's one of her thought provoking poems about the Incarnation:

It is as if Infancy were the Whole of Incarnation. 

One time of the year the new-born child is everywhere,

planted in madonnas' arms hay mows, stables in palaces or farms, or quaintly, under snowed gables,

gothic angular or baroque plump,

naked or elaborately swathed,

encircled by Della Robia wreaths,

garnished with whimsical

partridges and pears,

drummers and drums,

lit by oversize stars,

partnered with lambs,

peace doves, sugar plums,

bells, plastic camels in sets of three

as if these were what we need

for eternity.

But Jesus the Man is not to be seen.

We are too wary, these days,

of beards and sandalled feet.

Yet if we celebrate, let it be

that he

has invaded our lives with purpose,

striding over our picturesque traditions,

our shallow sentiment,

overturning our cash registers,

wielding his peace like a sword,

rescuing us into reality

demanding much more

than the milk and the softness

and the mothers warmth

of the baby in the storefront creche,

(only the Man would ask

all, of each of us)

reaching out

always, urgently, with strong

effective love

(only the Man would give

his life and live

again for love of us).

Oh come, let us adore him-

Christ--the Lord.