He had wrought for them a sign
of love, and hope,
and tenderness divine—
They wanted swine.
Christ stands without your door
and gently knocks;
But if your gold, or swine,
the entrance blocks,
He forces no man’s hold—
he will depart,
And leave you to the treasures
of your heart.
–John Oxenham
(1852 – 1941)
Image: James Tissot