Into the feasting court of King Arthur on Christmas Eve strides the huge and mysterious Green Knight, axe in hand. He challenges any knight to step forward and chop off his head with a blow of that axe -- provided that, one year and one day hence, that knight shall seek out the Green Knight and himself receive a similar blow. Sir Gawain steps forward to accept the challenge and severs the giant's head in one stroke. But -- to the dismay of everyone -- the Green Knight stands, picks up his head, reminds Sir Gawain of his promise, and departs.

Now Sir Gawain must seek out the Green Knight and fulfill his promise. In his wanderings he stays at the castle of Sir Bertilak and his beautiful wife. Twice, Lady Bertilak attempts to seduce Sir Gawain, but he will accept only a kiss. The third time, Lady Bertilak offers, and Sir Gawain accepts, her silk sash which will protect him against all danger.

When Sir Gawain encounters the Green Knight and bows before him, the giant only scratches Sir Gawain's neck with his axe. The Green Knight then reveals himself as Sir Bertilak. Sir Gawain now returns to Arthur's court in sorrow, wearing the silk sash as a reminder of his failure. For he knows that, in accepting the magical sash from the Lady Bertilak, he placed his trust in something other than God.

This strange and moving 600-year old story is about the humility that comes with working the last three Steps. Like Sir Gawain, we place our trust in God and then cast around for some sort of human backup, just in case. But unlike our hero, we don't have to remind ourselves ever afterwards of our failures. Although we do stumble as we walk the road of Steps 10, 11 and 12, as he did, those very Steps are what enable us to admit our faults and continue our journey in hope and joy.