A couple of years ago, I was asked to write an artistic reflection on a section of the Book of Concord (or something relating to the faith). This is a poem I wrote for that project, and I thought I would share it now with all of you as we start the Lenten season. I hope it is an encouragement to you.
Vita Fidei
Starting daily for the hours
When our minds begin to numb
To rest under snow-lit bowers
‘Til renewed we shall become,
Take the truths passed down to still us—
Wash, revive, and all to fill us—
With a light that rivals morn
And treasure all that has been born.
Praise the Father, Son, and Spirit;
Call upon His holy Name;
Gladly hear His Word and learn it
From those we honor and ordain;
Honor, keep your neighbor, brother—
Speak well of and love each other—
That our God be glorified
All of your days, for them He died.
For our Lord sent His begotten
To His earth in flesh and form
That our own and souls made rotten
Might in Him then be reborn.
In His living and His dying,
Not with treasures or in trying,
But His suffering paid our strife,
And in his rising, gave new life.
Now await for His returning
In the hope our fathers stood,
By the Spirit in us burning
To guide our faith for future good.
Joyful, join now this communion—
Flesh and blood till resurrection—
That our life might ever be
A light for what’s eternity.
Hold dear these words from Him above,
Passed down to us for our faith
That we might know the name of Love,
And share all the truth He saith.
Listen, read, and recite faithful—
Joy and sorrow, winging graceful—
And die ‘fore that final breath
To greet the Life that conquered death.
Blessings to you and yours,
~Madelyn Rose Craig
Madelyn Rose Craig 