mark of a christian...

Not only in the words you say,

not only in your deeds confessed,

but in the most unconscious way
is Christ expressed!

Is it a beatific smile, the holy light upon your brow?

Oh no, I felt his presence when you laughed just now!
To me twas not the truth you taught,

To you so clear, to me still dim.

But when you came to me you brought
a sense of him!

And from your eyes he beckons me.

And from your lips his love is shed
til I lose sight of you and see
the Christ instead!...


~from the poem, Mark of a Christian, by an unknown British author.