Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

II. Appearance


O Architect of the stars
(brightness blazoned
as if strewn),
you, who ranged
the constellations
to disclose yourself enfleshed,

appointing one most lucid witness
to that Majesty—
so clear that magi, seeing it,
bent low
over their offerings,
murmuring admiration—

Just so, I bow
in gratitude
over the altar
in my heart,
rendering
praise
and begging . . .

Star of Justice,
please bestow
this gift:
astral perspective.

To see the mighty unseated
and the lowly lifted up;

to mark the Treasure
in a manger;

to manifest
in my own essence
your bright design.

 
—Mia Schilling Grogan