A Moment of Nativity

by Virginia Kimball

It is a tender grasping little fist
That wraps her finger mightily that day,
So small and warm, holding tightly on ...
Timely bond of mother with newborn life.
This mother's love is ageless, a sweet kiss
On a son's cuddled, moist head her way
Discovering a gift of love upon
A red birthing mat in that darkened cave.

I He's a gift of light from God...of touching,
A truth divinely lent as she nurses,
Creation's miracle always spinning
At fresh moments of eternal birthing.
So fondly in a brief glimpse of clutching,
The infinite bubbles out. And curses
Of darkness, cold separation in winds
Of loneliness from God, are bathing

In the midwife's washing pool
Which thrusts her child, like a fool

Into frigid water of our days
Soon surely swirling with the Spirit's warmth.
Can we remember what the prophet says?
We forget. Forget ...As the mother's breast
Spills calming milk into his rooting mouth,
We hope for God's strength in the coming test.

She smiles. Timeless little one gurgles.
Through that door of hope, a door ajar,
Life forms creation's gentle realm of flesh,
Enlightening the mother's waiting heart,
Insight to glory in the Christmas creche...