O Key of David

We walk the green carpet to the fourth tree and its signage reads:  “O Key of David!  Come, break down the prison walls for those who dwell in darkness.”  This tropical palm has a greyish-brown, slender trunk, surmounted by a crown of vibrant green, featherlike fronds.

With abundant foliage and fruit, the palm has held unparalleled significance for generations in warm, coastal regions.  They call it:  the “tree of life” – for it provides sustenance, shelter, and a myriad of resources for their economy.  The coconut is the gem of the palm tree.  This hard-shelled nut is filled with nutrient coconut meat and sweet, hydrating water.

O Key of David, our sweet gem of Christmastime, in the hideaway shelter of your Mother, you are personified by the fruit of the palm tree.  And, we see that this graceful One who bears you, also, wears a crown.  Generations have called her blessed and, through her, you inherit the sovereign reign of David’s throne.  In your little hand is the king’s scepter – the key to royal authority, power, and Lordship and you will extend your kingdom over all peoples…

How?  Like the mature coconut!  If it falls off its perch into coastal waters – it floats and is carried away by ocean currents to propagate on distant shores.  So will you, baby scepter, come of age; move away from your hometown, Nazareth; and launch your Gospel.  The Word of God will traverse vast lands and seas, carried by the currents of a myriad of witnesses.

For in that Word, Jesus, you will say:  “I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  How?  The same as with a coconut!  On the coconut’s side are three covered holes or eyes.  A screwdriver can be used to bore into the softest pore.  And immediately, water flows out.  Because the shell is so hard, a hammer is then used to break open the coconut and unearth its tender flesh.

O Key of David!  Come, break down the prison walls for those who dwell in darkness.  Things are not always what they appear to be…  Your Key is like that screwdriver!  For you know the soft spot in everyone’s heart.  You can insert yourself in its groove and with a twist, open the blinded eye and enlighten one’s darkened interior.

We, your Sisters, pray night and day that you hammer those stone walls of escalating hatred, predation, and demolition in parts of the world.  Come, little turnkey, and perforate all hearts that you created and the honeyed water of your grace and peace will flow out…