I am Christ's crucible of suffering

Could you leave the halls of Heaven,
from royal throne descend to Earth?
Wear the flesh of lowly manhood,
in crude surrounds we have your birth?

Could you bear much thirst and hunger,
so we'd be filled with Heaven's fare?
And in your lack your love forbearing,
though Lord of all my stench you bear?

Would you stand so cold, so naked
making sure I'm warm and clothed?
Wear my dirty, tattered garments,
and clothe me in in your royal robes?

And would you give your back for beating,
flesh from bone your torn and bleeding?
Would you hang, life's essence leaving,
my guilt and shame for mercy plead,

Can you love me, never gaining,
a simple thank you, cent or gem?
Could you always off favour,
while your rejected once again?

Time returns our flesh to nothing
from dust to dust we fade from view.
Yet God will not regret His offer,
and raise the faithful when time's due?
R.Owen 30/5/2007