Bob Chilcott: Pilgrim Jesus


Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)

Jesus! Christus! Natus! In the manger of my body leaps the tiny child, and his breath is the word – the dance of God.
Corpus! Beatus! Peregrinus! Natus! In the ocean of my head the steadfast ship rides tide and storm on its pilgrim crossing.
Oceanus! In the orchard of my heart springs the singing tree. Its root is faith and its sweet fruit charity.
Cor! Arbor! Amor! Riding ship, springing tree, and in the manger leaps the child, who is the word, the dance of God.                              (Kevin Crossley-Holland)