The Carpenter’s Call

He followed the call
of the carpenter’s trade.
Though no one has told us
the things that He made,
We’d guess they were cradles
and tables and chairs —-
The items then listed
as carpenters’ wares.

We’d guess that the homes
where the humble folks dwelled
Were braced by the beams
that The Carpenter felled.
We’d guess He was skillful
with hammer and awl
And faithfully answered
the carpenter’s call.

We’d guess all of this
for we cannot ignore
That Christ with His living
constructed a door
And carved on its face
how His fellows should live —-
Should love, should be faithful,
should help and forgive.

He finished that door
with the nails in His hands.
It opened to Him
all the Heavenly Lands.
He left it ajar
with its promise for all
That morning The Carpenter
answered His call.