Tabernacle

Tabernacle

Steven Searcy

So that our weak and wounded eyes could know
the brilliant beauty blazing bright above
and not be burned or blinded by that light
which shines unceasing, God decides to show
himself in part so we might glimpse His love
in full—a veil reveals Him to our sight.

Wonderful cloaking! Words cannot convey
the way the incandescent image dims.
He stoops to wrap himself in rags of skin,
to coat his gorgeous gleam in cracking clay.
He hides his holy glow in humble limbs
and meekly mingles in the mess of men.

He drops into our darkened world to dwell,
covert in carnal camouflage. He bends
to enter earth so we can see and hear
His grace. He welcomes pain to make us well.
Enfolded in frail flesh, our Lord descends—
look, look at how our kind king Christ comes near!

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Steven Searcy
Poet & Engineer

Steven lives with his wife and three sons in Atlanta, GA, where he earns a living working as an engineer in fiber optic telecommunications. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Painting by James Tissot