Poetry · Chapter
To the Child Jesus explained
The chapter reflects on the nativity of Jesus, suggesting that seeing Him as a human child would end the age of doubt and restore innocence.
What happens
The chapter reflects on the nativity of Jesus, suggesting that seeing Him as a human child would end the age of doubt and restore innocence. It then follows the Flight into Egypt, portraying Jesus as a wayfaring pilgrim and fugitive, and prays that His fellowship may cheer the weary and guide the homeless to their heavenly home.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
The poem suggests that seeing Jesus as a human child would dispel the age of doubt, restoring faith and innocence.
The Pilgrimage of Life
Jesus is depicted as a wayfaring pilgrim and stranger, exiled from heaven, and the poem prays for guidance for all weary and homeless hearts on their journey home.
Characters to notice
- Jesus
Appears as the Child Jesus in the nativity and as a wayfaring pilgrim in the Flight into Egypt.
Key passages
“Could every time-worn heart but see Thee once again, A happy human child, among the homes of men, The age of doubt would pass—the vision of Thy face Would silently restore the childhood of the race.”
If every weary heart could see Jesus as a joyful human child living among people, the era of doubt would end, and the sight of His face would quietly bring back the innocence of humanity.
Expresses the transformative power of encountering the incarnate Christ.
“Thou wayfaring Jesus, a pilgrim and stranger, Exiled from heaven by love at thy birth, Exiled again from thy rest in the manger, A fugitive child ’mid the perils of earth— Cheer with thy fellowship all who are weary, Wandering far from the land that they love; Guide every heart that is homeless and dreary, Safe to its home in thy presence above.”
You, Jesus, are a wandering traveler and foreigner, sent from heaven by love at your birth, then forced to flee from the manger's rest, a refugee child in earthly dangers. Comfort with your companionship all who are tired and far from their beloved homeland; lead every sad and homeless heart safely to its true home in your heavenly presence.
Connects Jesus' exile to the experience of all who are homeless or weary, offering hope of heavenly guidance.