Poem for the First Sunday of Epiphany

Royal Presents
The off’rings of the Eastern kings of old
Unto our lord were incense, myrrh and gold;
Incense because a God; gold as a king;
And myrrh as to a dying man they bring.
Instead of incense, Blessed Lord, if we
Can send a sigh or fervent prayer to thee,
Instead of myrrh if we can but provide
Tears that from penitential eyes do slide,
And though we have no gold; if for our part
We can present thee with a broken heart
Thou wilt accept: and say those Eastern kings
Did not present thee with more precious things.

Nathaniel Wanley (1634 – 1680)

This reminds me of the last verse of Christina Rossetti’s carol:
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him –
Give my heart.

Let’s pray to make our hearts a gift ready to be offered to Jesus. Use the words of Brother
Lawrence: Oh God, here I am; all devoted to you. Make me according to your heart. Amen

-Tina Lamb