We walk toward Bethlehem
carrying what we believe—
near and far,
deep and shallow,
faith mixed with fear.

Along the way,
our wounds are exposed,
tender and unguarded,
pain speaking its own truth
as we come to the tomb.

There, foreign bodies are removed:
bitter roots that refuse forgiveness,
rolled away like a stone
by the angel of God.

We learn to let go.

The wounds are cleansed
through confession,
desires washed
by the blood of the Son,
as we enter the tomb
of honest self-examination.

Into the wound is placed
the true medicine—
the Cross,
the living Word of God.

“Do not be afraid,”
the message comes.
“He was crucified,
and He has risen.”

In prayer,
the wounds are closed.
“He is not here.
See the place where they laid Him.”
We become witnesses.

Healing follows—
by the Spirit of God,
who comforts,
who binds,
even as we tremble,
even as we stand bewildered,
like those who first faced resurrection.

We touch the scars,
taste their memory,
and learn their holy lesson
as the story continues in us.

Here, the divine is born in wounds.
Here, grace flowers with fragrance.

This is what we believe:
eternal joy
with the Wonderful Counselor,
the Prince of love,
peace,
and justice.

– Taehun Yoon