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| Duane Hershberger began working with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, GA, and now heads up the Greater LycomingHabitat organization in Williamsport, PA. |
Jesus tried to come back last Thursday afternoon.
You can listen to his recording here: https://soundcloud.com/duane-
Arrived on the corner of Third and Main.
Thrift store Yankee’s jersey, number seven, of course.
hadn’t bathed in a week, smelling strange.
And the people passing by did not notice he was god
Talking on the phone and texting.
Some met his eyes and then looked away
Vaguely disturbing and perplexing.
To see Jesus and a homeless guy as one
Just standing there like any mother’s son.
Instead of busting through the clouds or in the garden on his knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
Jesus tried again last Monday night.
Walked into the ER without a dime.
Nine months and one week pregnant, seventeen years old.
Not so immaculate this time.
And a guy with a cross pendant just shook his head.
At the shame and disgrace before him.
Angels were not singing at least that he could hear
No wise men around to adore them,
Or see Jesus and a scared child as one
Old, old story, homeless mother and a son
Instead of busting through the clouds or in the garden on his knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
Jesus tried one more time, under the desert moon,
Walked right across the Texas border.
Immigration picked him up, hauled him off to jail,
Said his papers weren't in order.
The judge said, "young man, we have no room for you.
You must go back to where you came from.
Then one nation under God sent Jesu Christo home.
A poor family's son was not welcome.
Oh Jesus, when we see you today
Might extend a hand or we might walk away
If you’re not busting through the clouds or in the garden on your knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
He keeps showing up disguised as the least of these.
Thrift store Yankee’s jersey, number seven, of course.
hadn’t bathed in a week, smelling strange.
And the people passing by did not notice he was god
Talking on the phone and texting.
Some met his eyes and then looked away
Vaguely disturbing and perplexing.
To see Jesus and a homeless guy as one
Just standing there like any mother’s son.
Instead of busting through the clouds or in the garden on his knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
Jesus tried again last Monday night.
Walked into the ER without a dime.
Nine months and one week pregnant, seventeen years old.
Not so immaculate this time.
And a guy with a cross pendant just shook his head.
At the shame and disgrace before him.
Angels were not singing at least that he could hear
No wise men around to adore them,
Or see Jesus and a scared child as one
Old, old story, homeless mother and a son
Instead of busting through the clouds or in the garden on his knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
Jesus tried one more time, under the desert moon,
Walked right across the Texas border.
Immigration picked him up, hauled him off to jail,
Said his papers weren't in order.
The judge said, "young man, we have no room for you.
You must go back to where you came from.
Then one nation under God sent Jesu Christo home.
A poor family's son was not welcome.
Oh Jesus, when we see you today
Might extend a hand or we might walk away
If you’re not busting through the clouds or in the garden on your knees
Just showing up disguised as the least of these.
He keeps showing up disguised as the least of these.
You can listen to his recording here: https://soundcloud.com/duane-
Powerful lyrics that pierce to the heart.
ReplyDeleteI read the lyrics and then listened to Duane's rendition. Now I'm hoping I really listened!!
ReplyDeleteAs you suggest, hearing and listening aren't always the same!
ReplyDeleteThis song is beautiful and touched my heart. I was reminded of a very old poem, entitled, "The Christmas Guest." Yes, Opportunities to show the love of Jesus are right in front of us every day if we just take time to look and listen. Thank you,Duane,and thank you,Harvey,for sharing.
ReplyDelete