New Jerusalem 1982

How would she be, the new bride--
That pagan you redeemed as nearest kinsman?
How then, would she be?
How has she grown since you promised her--
Has she aged?

Generations have spun themselves out since you walked here, Friend
Is she aged?

The world was beseeched by her
It turned and besieged her
Invaded her and overran her and declared itself to be her
While she shivered in the streets, perhaps unaware of who she was.

How would she be, the new bride?
Has she changed since you betrothed her,
When you stepped up and declared her
And the one closest threw down his shoe in refusal

Where is she when The Church is fatly clad?
Is she barefoot?  Has she aged?

If it were not for your return I could not search for her
But I know she waits.  I have glimpses of her.

How would she be, the new bride;
Left behind these times to forge against the world?
Two swords; the world and the bride; one honing the other
And when the time is full, and you come to steal her off the field
How easily will the adversary stumble
When her grace and suffering are replaced with your fury
And terrible might!

How then, will she be?
Stripped of the trappings the world festooned her with
Washed from the pomp and politics the world rubbed her in
Redeemed from the grasp of the deceiver;
How will the new bride be?
Life upon life.
I think of all the sons killed by Herod
On account of Christ
What doom did Christ redeem!
 
The bride, then, resolutely met her time
You snatched up the child from the gaping jaw,
And life upon life, she walks on through the years
How has she grown, my Lord,
Has she aged? Is it time?