Kneeling in Bethlehem

By Ann Weems

In a style that is reverent and faith-filled, Anne Weems reflects on the mystery of the Christmas season. Included in this collection are twenty-six new poems as well as popular selections from her earlier works, especially Reaching for Rainbows and Family Faith Stories. Capturing the spirit of joyful celebration, they can be used in worship services, read aloud at family gatherings, or used by individuals for quiet reflection. p>

• Language: English
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Release date: Oct 1, 1993
• ISBN: 9781611644470

Ann Weems

Ann Weems is a Presbyterian elder, a lecturer, and a popular poet. She is the author of Family Faith Stories, Reaching for Rainbows, Searching for Shalom, Kneeling in Bethlehem, Kneeling in Jerusalem, Psalms of Lament, and Putting the Amazing Back in Grace, all available from WJK.

Book preview

ADVENT

THE COMING OF GOD

Our God is the One who comes to us

in a burning bush,

in an angel’s song,

in a newborn child.

Our God is the One who cannot be found

locked in the church,

not even in the sanctuary.

Our God will be where God will be

with no constraints,

no predictability.

Our God lives where our God lives,

and destruction has no power

and even death cannot stop

the living.

Our God will be born where God will be born,

but there is no place to look for the One who comes to us.

When God is ready

God will come

even to a godforsaken place

like a stable in Bethlehem.

Watch…

for you know not when

God comes.

Watch, that you might be found

whenever

wherever

God comes.

YESTERDAY’S PAIN

Some of us walk into Advent

tethered to our unresolved yesterdays

the pain still stabbing

the hurt still throbbing.

It’s not that we don’t know better;

it’s just that we can’t stand up anymore by ourselves.

On the way to Bethlehem,

will you give us a hand?

IN DECEMBER DARKNESS

The whole world waits in December darkness

for a glimpse of the Light of God.

Even those who snarl Humbug!

and chase away the carolers

have been seen looking toward the skies.

The one who declared he never would forgive

has forgiven,

and those who left

Reviews for Kneeling in Bethlehem

[nicholasjjordan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

(3 star poetry 5 star liturgical resource) / 2 = four star book

As poetry itself, this is an uneven collection with some standouts and many great turns of phrase and thought.

But highly, highly, very highly recommended for liturgical use.