ESSENCE

ESSENCE (Luke 1:80)

It may be John the Baptist’s home –
The desert near Qumran –
Was where brave parents hid their sons
From Herod’s slaughter-arm.

Perhaps the Nazarites fled to
A wilderness of caves
And set themselves apart from dearth –
Awaiting He who saves.

And there, the child grew, waxing strong
In spirit – til the Day
When he returned to Israel
To clear the Savior’s way –

Preparing the Messiah’s path
With Aaron’s budding rod –
He entered Jordan’s ancient font –
Baptized the Son of God.

(Sunday, 31 January, 2010, Pleasant Grove, Utah)