December 17, 2008

All I Want for Christmas


The Thorn

I stood a mendicant of God

before His royal throne

And begged Him for a priceless gift,

which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand,

but as I would depart,

I cried "But, Lord, this is a thorn

and it has pierced my heart.

This is a strange, a hurtful gift

that Thou hast given me."

He said, "My child, I give good gifts

and give my best to thee."

I took it home and though at first,

the cruel thorn hurt sore;

As long years passed I learned at last

to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn

without this added grace,

He takes the thorn to pin aside...

the veil which hides His face.

Martha Snell Nicholson

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