The Christian Life

WHO IS THE ANGEL THAT COMETH?

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Parent Category: The Christian Life

Category: Tolerance

Published on Sunday, 17 July 2011 22:11

I

Who is the Angel that cometh?

Life!

Let us not question what he brings,

Peace or Strife,

Under the shadow of his mighty wings,

One by one,

Are his secrets told;

One by one,

Lit by the rays of each morning sun,

Shall a new flower its petals unfold,

With the mystery hid in its heart of gold.

We will arise and go forth to greet him,

Singly, gladly, with one accord;--

"Blessed is he that cometh

In the name of the Lord."

II

Who is the Angel that cometh?

Joy!

Look at his glittering rainbow wings--

No alloy

Lies in the radiant gifts he brings;

Tender and sweet,

He is come to-day,

Tender and sweet,

While chains of love on his silver feet

Will hold him in lingering fond delay.

But greet him quickly, he will not stay,

Soon he will leave us; but though for others

All his brightest treasures are stored;--

"Blessed is he that cometh

In the name of the Lord!"

III

Who is the Angel that cometh?

Pain!

Let us arise and go forth to greet him;

Not in vain

Is the summons come for us to meet him;

He will stay,

And darken our sun;

He will stay

A desolate night, a weary day.

Since in that shadow our work is done,

And in that shadow our crowns are won,

Let us say still, while his bitter chalice

Slowly into our hearts is poured,--

"Blessed is he that cometh

In the name of the Lord!"

IV

Who is the Angel that cometh?

Death!

But do not shudder and do not fear;

Hold your breath,

For a kingly presence is drawing near.

Cold and bright

Is his flashing steel,

Cold and bright

The smile that comes like a starry light

To calm the terror and grief we feel;

He comes to help and to save and heal:

Then let us, baring our hearts and kneeling,

Sing, while we wait this Angel's sword,--

"Blessed is he that cometh

In the name of the Lord!"

Adelaide Anne Procter, 1825-1864