On Patches and Bears

God Tied a Yellow Ribbon

For all the captured in Adam--
serpent's hostages, voluntary
rebels--
God's love waves its banner
like a yellow ribbon
around Calvary.

Come home, captive.
Come.

Persecuted and persecutor, come.
Isolated by guilt, sealed in anguish,
away from home;

Ransomed at Calvary.
Come. Enter.

Enter the cross where it
pierced the tomb. Enter,
and exit in the resurrection where
transgressors, abused children,
prisoners, despised,
changed by Calvary into Christ's glorious Bride,
will walk on ribbons of gold, and
hear her Bridegroom say,

"Welcome home!"