staffs at their sides, hushed
mouths agape, reeking not
of frankincense and myrrh, but
of linseed oil, sulfur, pitch, and
tar, these rough men
stare, stunned
by My Son’s birth, shocked in
kneeling at the Manger
Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
© 2026 The Christian Century.
kneeling at the Manger
staffs at their sides, hushed
mouths agape, reeking not
of frankincense and myrrh, but
of linseed oil, sulfur, pitch, and
tar, these rough men
stare, stunned
by My Son’s birth, shocked in
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