Ruben told me that he wanted me to have a poem of his. He handed me a folded page of tablet paper that I still possess. I read the poem aloud for grandpa and Ruben and said it was beautiful. The call is strong on Christmas Eve. So I share Ruben’s wish to a world in need—as much today as in 1983 when he put the page into my hand!

Too Far to Bethlehem

It’s just too far to Bethlehem —
From Grenada, Syria, Lebanon,
From Moscow, Teheran, Washington,
From Cuba, Korea, Nicaragua,
From Angola, Libya, Philippines,
East Zone, West Zone, In-Betweens.

My mind can’t grasp the distances.
My heart won’t bridge the gaps.
My eyes don’t span the spaces.
My hopes, in fear, collapse.

The martial feet will never tread
long miles to reach the starlit city.
This road is barred to all who walk
Without regret, remorse or pity.

Dear Child of Peace, leave Bethlehem-town,
Across the earth’s dark desolation
Your journey take, through desert waste,
To halt the foolish, warring nations.

Make haste, ‘tis late! Your Presence now
Can stay destructive madness.
Bring hope, and love, and peace once more;
Restore the joy of Christmas. (R.H. Huenemann)

Whether you celebrate a Holiday or the solstice or anything at all; whether you are of one creed, culture or another, if you are rich or poor, healthy or ill — May Peace be with you, may it spring outward from you. May Happiness enfold you, now and in the coming days!

Image: “The Rev. Dr. Ruben H. Huenemann” Oil On Canvas, Barbara Peet[1]


[1] https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/theintersectionatunited/artwork/the-rev-dr-ruben-h-huenemann