Ode to Wendell Luke

Our friend Rev. Dr. Wendell Luke died this week. He was a prophet, a force, and a voice for justice. He was also a thoughtful poet. His served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for several years, shaping and encouraging our growth in both assets and ministry.

I am sure that upon hearing of his passing the “Wendell” stories began circulating among colleagues and friends. Many of you know that he wrote poetry. I saved one of his poems that was shared some time ago because it resonated with me. Somehow, as I read the poem today,  I cannot help but picture Wendell pointing us all to the manger straw.

Softly, almost unnoticed,

the spirit of Christ enters and becomes;

no hysteric act displays his coming unto us.

A man lived with us and Christ was everywhere

that we might search ourselves

and give him lodging;

The soul, the body is but a Bethlehem manger

where Christ will come seeking birth;

lay carefully your straw of life

and bid him come,

bid him enter there,

bid him come;

in the soft splendor of evening fires he will come;

build your Evening fire

and bid him come;

a fire not tended dies and is no more;

a fire not tended dies.

Set no extravagant nor pompous feast;

a silent evening fire and gentle manger straw

And Jesus comes.

Jesus enters softly.