These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Heart of the Matter

We give out hearts of many kinds
to celebrate the day.
Relationships are bles-sed finds
so many humans say.

But most of all we live this truth
for love is what we need.
Throughout our life and from our youth
the heart does more than bleed.

The heart may be a chocolate treat
we give to our deepest love,
and love may be the warmth we greet
in sunlight from Above.

The cherished love our parents marred
at one forbidden tree
was resurrected by Christ once scarred
upon Mount Calvary.

It was for love, He came a Child,
and lived three decades, more.
It was for love, He was reviled.
Those beatings did implore.

It was for love, He laid in state
within a borrowed tomb.
It was for love, He rose so great
from Earth's cold, musty womb.

It is for love He knocks the door
of each cold, selfish heart,
that given entrance he shows more
than thoughts could ever start.

We think of love in human terms
upon Saint Valentines' Day,
but do we know His Word confirms
Christ's love is on display?

His saving grace, His love, that woos
all lost ones to believe
is the calling to know, that we are Whose
we are when Him receive.

Th'eternal bride He builds each day
by saving a chosen soul,
then placing on the narrow way,
forever, newly whole.

His undying love fore'er expressed
on the pages he has writ.
A Valentine's card, so warm and blest
to hearts with His so knit.

Upon Saint Valentine's Day, we smile,
that the greatest Lover lives
in a Mansion, where we'll rest awhile,
amazed at all He gives.

But when we feast our eyes upon
The One, who bears the wounds,
The sacrificial, loving Son.
Forsaking things, we'll change our tune,
and weep at the Chosen One.

The Ever Day, the lasting kiss,
the Glory and embrace
will show the truth of only this.
It's Mercy and His Grace.

by Jay O'Toole
on February 9th, 2020