# That Holy Thing explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The poem contrasts humanity's expectation of a conquering king with the humble arrival of Christ as a baby, causing a woman to cry. It reflects on the inadequacy of human plans and the mysterious, personal way God answers prayer through His own hidden means.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

The arrival of Christ as a 'little baby thing' emphasizes the power of innocence and vulnerability.

### Redemption and Grace

God's coming in humility to answer every need and prayer highlights grace and redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Addressed as the 'little baby thing' and 'son of man,' whose presence alone can avail.

### Mother Mary

Implied as the woman who cried at the sight of the baby.

### Unknown

The speaker who laments human expectations and acknowledges God's secret coming.

## Key lines

> They all were looking for a king To slay their foes, and lift them high: Thou cam’st a little baby thing That made a woman cry.

Everyone expected a conquering king to defeat enemies and exalt them, but you came as a tiny baby that moved a woman to tears.

_Contrasts human expectations of power with the humble reality of Christ's birth._

> Thou com’st down thine own secret stair: Com’st down to answer all my need, Yea, every bygone prayer!

You descend by your own hidden path to meet all my needs and answer every prayer I have ever prayed.

_Emphasizes God's mysterious and personal response to human longing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/that-holy-thing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters