Christmas, day 3. The Prophets and the Leave-taking. part iii Elijah.

Today we reflect on Elijah's thoughts as he turns his head to the home he has longed for but where he has never been.

Christmas day 3. The Prophets and the Leave-taking. 

part iii. Elijah

1 Ki 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

after years and decades

finally, this day

through drought and floods

hunger and raven food

alone and in a mob

at last, the wandering is nearly done

the homeless heads home.

No more starlight sleeping

looking in at bright fires and warm lamps—

No more pulling that cloak tighter

against the wind—

No more races with chariots

or fire bolts from heaven—

No more tantrums from queens

or “my enemy” from kings—

I’ve searched every scene 

for glimpses of redemption,

sure my God of Hope

would leave some signs:

few they were

shafts obscure

of grace eclipsed

by mist and shadow

now my soul rises

to the One I have awaited—

an ordinary afternoon

an unremarkable path

in mid-conversation

the gentle chariot pauses for me

he saw fire—I see Light

that lightens hearts of men